England legend and top football pundit Gary Lineker has publicly apologised to Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen over unfounded remarks he made during the summer transfer window.
Osimhen had been heavily linked with Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, but the Nigerian international opted to return to Turkish giants Galatasaray on a permanent deal from Napoli after a stellar loan spell where he scored 37 goals in 41 matches across all competitions.
His decision appears justified after an outstanding display in Galatasaray’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Liverpool, where he tormented centre-backs Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk throughout the contest.
The performance has since won him plaudits from pundits who had once questioned his abilities.
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Lineker, who starred for clubs such as Barcelona, Leicester City, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, admitted he was wrong about the striker.
“I need to apologise to Victor Osimhen. I had intimated that he goes missing sometimes and now I believe that is completely not the case,” Lineker said on The Rest Is Football Podcast with Alan Shearer.
“Victor, if you’re listening, I am sorry about that. I shouldn’t spout rumours. He is quick, tall, a good finisher, brilliant in the air, he’s a hell of a player.”
Shearer, another Premier League great, was equally impressed with Osimhen’s impact, especially considering his fitness situation.
“They paid €75 million for him and his record is fantastic when you look at the goals,” Shearer said.
“He had been out for a month and only played six minutes last weekend, so it was a surprise that (Galatasaray manager) Okan Buruk started him. But he definitely got the better of Konaté and Van Dijk.”
The Nigerian forward’s commanding display has not only silenced his critics but also further enhanced his reputation as one of the most complete strikers in world football.
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