Victor Osimhen reveals how Galatasaray atmosphere stunned Liverpool’s van Dijk

Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has revealed Virgil Van Dijk’s reaction to the atmosphere at the RAMS Park, Afrik Foot reports.

The duo played when Okan Buruk’s side welcomed the Merseysiders to Turkey back in September, with Osimhen scoring the only goal of the fixture from the penalty spot to secure three points for the CimBom Aslan.

The 27-year-old has now revealed that Van Dijk was shocked by the atmosphere put up by the Galatasaray fans.

Osimhen reveals Van Dijk conversation

In an interview with the Players’ Tribune, the 27-year-old revealed that the passion of the Napoli fans gave him a very high standard, and only Galatasaray could surpass that.

“I wanted to go to a top 3 club in the world in terms of passion. Those are the kind of people who really understand me. The ones who live football differently. 

“When I spoke to Okan Buruk on the phone, before I signed, he told me, “I’m here to tell you that I personally, as a person and as a coach and as a father, I want you in my club. And I know these fans will love you a lot. Even when you’re going through a hard time, this club is the one that is going to back you.

“Before stepping on the plane to Turkey, I put everything in the hands of God.

“When the flight landed, 3,000 Gala fans were waiting for me in the middle of the night. At a private airport. They were tracking my flight! The people welcomed me with open arms. That feeling is worth more than money. 

“If you don’t believe me, just ask van Dijk. I was speaking to him after our Champions League match against Liverpool, and he said, “Man, what kind of atmosphere is this!?”

“I said, “Brother, to be honest, if I never came here and someone just told me about it, I wouldn’t believe it,” the former Napoli man concluded.

Galatasaray secured a 5-2 win over Juventus in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-offs and will be hoping to qualify for the round of sixteen after the second leg in Italy next week.