New Napoli hitman Romelu Lukaku turned down the chance to inherit the number 9 shirt of Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen following his controversial exit from the club to Turkish side Galatasaray on a season long loan deal, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Lukaku was picked by coach Antonio Conte as the replacement for the Nigerian, and was subsequently handled the number of the 25 year old famously known for his role in firing the team to their first league title in 33 years.
Osimhen’s departure which has dented his image with the club’s hierarchy reached an all time low when he failed to get a move to Saudi Arabia side Al Ahli, and later Chelsea on transfer deadline day. He was subsequently not registered by Napoli and his number handed to Lukaku.
In a shock move, Lukaku declined the offer and instead picked the number 11 shirt, and in La Repubblica has now unravel the reason behind his decision quoting an unnamed source who is close to the Belgian.
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“For Lukaku it will already be a choice of either the number 9 or 11, but the new striker did not want his predecessor’s number on his shirt. A gesture of respect towards Osimhen , who in the meantime has been loaned to Galatasaray and has suffered a muscle injury after scoring a brace against Kasimpasa”, the publication reported in their today’s edition.
