EXCLUSIVE | Where does 'Solo il Gala', synonymous with Osimhen, come from? The person who came up with the slogan explained! Here is the behind the scenes
World-famous Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who came to Galatasaray on loan at half-time last season, was one of the biggest contributors to Galatasaray's championship with 26 goals in half a season. The yellow-red management made a long struggle for Osimhen's permanent transfer. At a time when Napoli were having a hard time with the transfer, the Italian sports newspaper Corriere dello Sport used Victor Osimhen's request for a transfer to Galatasaray with the headline 'Solo il Gala', which became the symbol of this transfer. So what does Solo il Gala mean? What happened behind the scenes of this headline? Fabio Mandarini, the owner of the news in question, spoke to Fanatik.
'Solo Il Gala' became the symbol of Galatasaray's Osimhen transfer Victor Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray in the interim transfer window of last season, quickly became a fan favorite with his sympathetic demeanor. He both loved Galatasaray and was loved by the Galatasaray community. Towards the end of the season, all the fans demanded the management in unison: The fans are going crazy, they want Osimhen.
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TOP SCORER IN HALF A SEASON
With 37 goals and 8 assists in 41 matches, Osimhen finished the season as the top scorer in Super Lig with 26 goals. He contributed to the Turkish Cup championship with 5 goals and 1 assist in 4 matches. Victor Osimhen ended the season with 37 goals, the most goals scored in his career.
DEADLOCKED TRANSFER VICTORY FOR GALATASARAY
When the yellow-red management rolled up their sleeves for Osimhen's permanent transfer, the 75 million euros in wages and the player's salary seemed impossible, but the necessary funds were secured. However, the Napoli side, with whom Osimhen also had problems, often put obstacles in the way. On the other hand, Al Ahli stepped in for the player's transfer and spent big money. But all the Nigerian striker wanted was Galatasaray.
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When the Italian sports daily Corriere dello Sport used the phrase 'Solo il Gala' in its headline about Victor Osimhen's transfer request to Galatasaray and Osimhen used this phrase in his interviews, the motto of the most important transfer in Galatasaray's history was determined. "Solo il Gala", which can be translated into Turkish as "Only Galatasaray" or "Only Galatasaray", symbolizes a strong love and devotion to the club. Fabio Mandarini, who wrote the story in Corriere dello Sport, told Fanatik.com.tr's Songül Soysal the story of the title and Osimhen's adventure in Turkey.
-Where did 'Solo il Gala' come from, Fabio? Can you tell us the story and how it grew so big?
"I found the news and wrote the article. As always, the editor-in-chief Ivan Zazzaroni was the one who wrote the title, so he wrote the title. 'Solo il Gala' is simple but very powerful, very cool. I'm very happy that it has had such a wide impact. It's great that it's the slogan and motto of a historic moment for Galatasaray, and Osimhen is a fantastic striker."
Corriere dello Sport Editor-in-Chief Ivan Zazzaroni
-And did you think this title would have such an impact?
"Actually, no. I thought the story was strong, but the headline was even stronger! Zazzaroni is a great journalist and always makes great headlines."
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-What do you think about Osi's next adventure, both in Galatasaray and in Europe?
"Osi is an exceptional player, one of the best strikers I have ever seen. I am sure he will play a decisive role in the Super Lig and in the Champions League as well. He has chosen 'Solo il Gala' and will play with his soul. Goals are his life: Osi gives everything on the pitch. Maybe we'll meet in the Champions League!"
Fabio Mandarini and Osimhen (2023)
Mandarini also touched upon Osimhen's Napoli period and concluded his words as follows:
"We had a fantastic interview with him in the summer of 2023. He told me, 'We're going to win the Scudetto'. Nobody believed him, but in the end he won it with Napoli. He was the best goalscorer in Serie A. No one could stop Kvaratshelia and Osimhen. The Scudetto twins Enjoy Osi's game and take care of him"
(Scudetto, Italian championship title)
