Galatasaray midfielder Aleksey Batrakov has hit back at critics of Victor Osimhen's move to the Turkish Super Lig.

According to the Russian international, Osimhen did not move to Galatasaray to wind down his career, as most top players do after years of successful spells in Europe's top five leagues.

Batrakov drew a clear distinction between Osimhen and Trabzonspor's Mohammed Salah to buttress his point.

"I can't say that footballers come to the Turkish League to spend the final stages of their careers," Batrakov said, as quoted by Habersarikirmizi.

"Maybe Salah did that, but Osimhen definitely didn't. He fights until the very end on the pitch."

Salah joined Trabzonspor last summer after an underwhelming campaign with Liverpool under Dutch manager Arne Slot.

Osimhen, on the other hand, joined Galatasaray in September 2024 on an initial loan deal while at the peak of his powers.

WDN