Leao hails Osimhen for penalty gesture

File photo: Victor Osimhen

Galatasaray forward Rafael Leao has praised Victor Osimhen for sacrificing the opportunity to score his second goal against Konyaspor to allow him to take a penalty, describing the gesture as evidence of the strong bond within the squad, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Leao, who joined the Turkish champions from AC Milan in the summer, had been searching for his first goal for the club before Osimhen handed him the opportunity to open his account from the spot in their 4-0 victory on Friday.

The Nigerian striker had already opened the scoring in the 12th minute and could have completed his brace when Galatasaray were awarded a second-half penalty. However, he stepped aside and handed the ball to Leao, who converted in the 55th minute.

Speaking after the match, the Portuguese forward expressed his gratitude to Osimhen, revealing that the Nigerian understood his desire to end his wait for a goal.

“I really appreciate that moment. He knew I’ve been working a lot and searching for my first goal,” Leao told Galatasaray’s YouTube channel.

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“We were speaking, and today or yesterday was the birth of his second child. I told him to score two goals.’’

“He could have scored the second goal, but he gave me the ball. It’s about the kind of attitude we have, so we have a great group.

“I am really happy to have this kind of teammate in the squad.”

Osimhen has continued his impressive form for Galatasaray, scoring in the victory over Konyaspor after netting twice in their 2-1 derby win over Fenerbahçe earlier in the week.

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