Former Beşiktaş midfielder Sinan Engin has come to the defense of Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, saying he doesn’t believe the Nigerian international refused to play against Konyaspor due to unpaid salary.
Allegations had emerged that Osimhen skipped the Konyaspor match, which Galatasaray lost 2-0, because he hadn’t received his salary. However, Engin thinks Osimhen’s decision was tactical, aimed at preserving himself for the Champions League Round of 16 playoffs second leg tie against Juventus.
“I don’t believe for a second that Osimhen didn’t play because he wasn’t getting paid,” Engin said. “He’s not that kind of kid. He might have said, ‘The European arena is more important for me. The Juventus match is more important. I want to prove myself there.'”
Galatasaray has since attributed Osimhen’s absence to injury.
