'They joke around' – Galatasaray insider dismisses talk of rift between Osimhen and Icardi

Galatasaray insider Kaya Temel has moved to dispel rumours of discord between Mauro Icardi and Victor Osimhen, insisting that speculation of tension between the two forwards is without foundation.

Former Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan striker Icardi joined the Turkish champions in September 2022, while Osimhen is currently in his second season in Istanbul.

The pair have shared the pitch seven times in Galatasaray colours, yet neither has created a goal for the other — a statistic that has prompted debate over their link-up play and overall effectiveness as a strike partnership.

Temel insisted that any suggestion of friction is misplaced, citing trusted sources at Galatasaray’s Kemerburgaz training facility to emphasise that the two strikers enjoy a positive relationship both on and off the pitch.

"Again, there are those who like to create chaos where there isn't any," he told habersarikirmizi.com.

"There's nothing to suggest that Icardi was applauded or Osimhen was upset.

"My reliable sources in Kemerburgaz say there's no problem between Osimhen and Icardi; they joke around before every training session anyway."

Osimhen recently resumed training after missing Galatasaray's last three fixtures in all competitions with an ankle injury sustained while on international duty with Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on September 6.

During his absence, Icardi spearheaded the attack, scoring in successive Super Lig matches, although he drew a blank in the crucial Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com