Former Beşiktaş midfielder Sinan Engin has dismissed claims that Victor Osimhen refused to play in Galatasaray’s 2-0 defeat to Konyaspor last Saturday due to unpaid salaries.
The allegation surfaced online suggesting the Nigerian striker sat out the Turkish Super Lig match because of delayed payments.
However, speaking on the matter, Engin said he does not believe Osimhen would withhold his services over money issues.
“I don’t believe for a second that Osimhen didn’t play because he wasn’t getting paid. He’s not that kind of kid,” Engin told Habersarikirmizi.
He offered an alternative explanation: Osimhen likely chose to preserve his fitness for Galatasaray’s crucial UEFA Champions League playoff second leg against Juventus on Wednesday.
“I can agree with Osimhen on this: He might have said, ‘The European arena is more important for me. The Juventus match is more important. I want to prove myself there. My teammates will take care of the Konyaspor match anyway.’
He didn’t risk himself or tire himself out in the Konyaspor match. However, he’s definitely not the type of person to make a fuss about money,” Engin added.
Galatasaray have since clarified that Osimhen’s absence from the Konyaspor fixture was due to a minor knee injury, not any contractual or financial dispute.
The 27-year-old remains the Yellow and Reds’ top scorer in this season’s Champions League with six goals and is expected to be available for the decisive tie in Turin.
