Super Eagles striker and Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen, has opened up on the circumstances that led to his departure from Italian Serie A side Napoli two seasons ago.
The 27-year-old, who famously guided Napoli to their first league title in 33 years, said he was forced out after a breakdown in trust and respect between him and the club’s management.
Osimhen revealed that despite a “gentleman’s agreement” allowing him to leave, Napoli’s hierarchy reneged, attempting to “ship him off everywhere” and treating him “like a dog.” He added:
“I’ve worked so hard for my career, I couldn’t accept that kind of treatment. I’m not a puppet.”
He recalled that then-manager Antonio Conte wanted him to stay, but the club’s stance made his exit inevitable. The striker also pointed to the infamous TikTok video mocking his missed penalty, which he said carried racist undertones and broke his relationship with the club.
“I’m sorry for the Napoli fans, because I never spoke about what happened. Some of them came to my house and demanded an explanation. After Napoli posted that video, something definitely broke,” he said.
Osimhen explained that rumors of lateness to training and fights with teammates were false, but the club’s actions turned fans against him. He stressed his affection for Napoli, noting: “My daughter is more Neapolitan than Nigerian.”
On Juventus’ interest, Osimhen confirmed that the Turin giants tried to sign him before his move to Galatasaray, but Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis blocked the deal.
“Juventus wanted to sign me and Giuntoli submitted a bid, but De Laurentiis didn’t sell me to Juve. Juve are a top club. When Juventus call you, you have to listen,” he said.
Adeolu Johnson, Abuja
