Galatasaray talisman Victor Osimhen has lifted the lid on his decision to decline the club's number nine shirt following the departure of Mauro Icardi.

The 27-year-old was expected to take over the iconic jersey number after Icardi left the club at the end of last season, but the Super Eagles striker has insisted on maintaining his current jersey number 45 ahead of the new campaign.

Despite acknowledging the commercial value of the vacant number nine shirt, Osimhen believes the jersey number 45 has been a source of good omen for him at the club, hence his decision not to change it.

"I believe that you will sell more shirts, but I believe you will understand my perspective. The number 45 has been lucky for me at Galatasaray," Osimhen said via Sabah.

"I wish to continue with the same number," the former Napoli man added.

Osimhen is heading into his third season with the Yellow and Reds amid several interests from top clubs in Europe.

The former African Footballer of the Year has courted interest from clubs in the Spanish La Liga.

The Super Eagles striker was on target during Galatasaray's thrilling 3-3 draw with Rennes in a pre-season friendly last weekend.

WDN