During Galatasaray’s 3-1 victory over Alanyaspor, Victor Osimhen declined the captain’s armband, choosing instead to return leadership responsibilities to Ilkay Gundogan in a gesture he called respectful. Osimhen scored once and provided an assist to help Galatasaray win at RAMS Park, but the captaincy exchange became a major discussion point.

Vice-captains Abdülkerim Bardakcı and Kaan Ayhan were left off the starting lineup, and regular captain Mauro Icardi began on the bench.

Before being replaced in the 79th minute, Lucas Torreira led the team. The armband was given to Gundogan as he entered the match.

Then, in what appeared to be an attempt to transfer responsibility, he went to Osimhen. The Nigerian rejected it right away and gave it back.

“İlkay is someone I respect very much, he is very valuable to me,” Osimhen told the club’s official website.

“He is a person known worldwide. He is both calm and motivating. He is someone we can always talk to.

“He is very visionary. When he brought me the captain’s armband, it felt strange. I gave it back so he could lead us. He helps us every time he comes into the game. He is someone who deserves love.”

After helping Torreira regain the lead, Osimhen took advantage of a mistake made by goalie Paulo Victor to score his tenth league goal of the year and complete the victory.

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