Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has said he is proud to be voted the eighth-best player in the recent 2023 Ballon d’Or award.
The Napoli striker finished 8th in the 2023 Ballon d’Or award to become the first Nigerian to make the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or voting.
Osimhen has established himself as one of the top strikers in Europe with 65 goals in 111 appearances for Napoli.
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The 24-year-old former Lille forward was in impressive form for the Parthenopeans in the 2022/23 season where he helped the team clinch the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years.
Osimhen bagged an incredible 31 goals in 39 matches across all competitions for Napoli last season and has continued his fantastic scoring record this campaign, as he has already netted six goals in 10 matches.
Speaking to John Obi Mikel on the ‘Obi One Podcast’ Osimhen thanked his fans for their support and noted that he is proud to finish 8th in the 2023 Ballon d’Or voting.
“This is what I always believe. No one can deny the effort that I put in last season. No one can try to downplay my performance last season.” he said.
“At the end of the day, I came eighth. And even if I came 10th or 11th, I think I have done so much for myself to get the recognition I have, or the one I will continue to have.
“So, for me, it doesn’t really change anything, they can vote for who they like, it’s all love. From my own side, I really don’t consider these things because I focus on people who love me wholeheartedly, the ones who support me, the ones who defend me and everything like that. My family, my friends.”
The Super Eagles goal poacher further stressed the support and encouragement he got from his family and fans for his brilliant performance last season, noting that he is very proud to be on the list of ten best players in 2023.
Read also: Osimhen reflects on rejecting €200m Saudi Arabia offer
“These are the things that really matter to me. Not the ones that try to downplay everything that I have worked on, the season that I had, and try to put the credit to another man. So, for me, it’s normal. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. So it doesn’t change anything. I came out eighth, I am proud of myself.”
Lionel Messi won the 2023 men’s Ballon d’Or after beating Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbapper to win a record 8th Ballon d’Or title.
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