Beşiktaş midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi has explained the reason for his celebration after he scored his first goal of the season in their 2-2 draw in the UEFA Europa League against Crystal Palace on Thursday evening.
The Nigerian international found the net with a composed left-footed strike after receiving a pass from Salih Özcan, directing the ball beyond the grasp of Crystal Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez.
His celebration after the goal drew the attention of supporters as he gestured toward the number on his jersey.
After the match, Ndidi described the game as favorable for his team despite their sluggish start, noting that the team progressed as the game went on.
"I can describe it as a favorable match today," Ndidi stated via Ajansspor.
"Our opening half was tentative, however we developed momentum and converted our opportunity. An analogous pattern emerged in the second half. In totality, it represented a favorable match.
"Beşiktaş are a great club. We are showing ourselves against teams coming from big leagues. We are on the right track; everyone is working hard. Everyone is fighting. Everything is going great."
Ndidi explained his goal celebration, disclosing that the gesture represented a method of acknowledging himself for the quality of his finish.
"In actuality, I was acknowledging myself, saying 'bravo' to myself," he elaborated.
The Nigerian midfielder played the entire 90 minutes of the game.
UEL: Ndidi explains goal celebration after scoring for Beşiktaş against Crystal Palace