Italian Champions Napoli has released an official statement in the ongoing rifft between the club and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
This comes after a contentious’mockery’ video was broadcast by Napoli’s verified TikTok account, in which Osimhen was publicly derided after missing a penalty against Bologna.
In the backdrop of the footage, a shrill voice could be heard saying, “Gimme penalty please.” Osimhen and a coconut were compared in a later film.
The club statement reads;
“Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, point out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club”.
“As proof of that, during the summer training retreat, the Club firmly rebuffed every offer that was received for the striker’s transfer abroad”.
“Social media, in particular TikTok, has always used an expressive form of language with a light heart and creativity, without wanting to, as in the case with Osimhen as protagonist, have any intention of insult or derision”.
“In any case, if Victor perceived any offence towards him, this was not what the club intended”.
Osimhen has scored four goals in seven appearances for struggling Italian champions Napoli thus far this season.
After scoring 31 goals in all competitions for Napoli last season as they won their first league title since 1990, the 24-year-old has established himself as a local legend in Naples.
Osimhen is now in the process of discussing a contract extension with Napoli. His current deal expires in June 2025, and he was a target for Chelsea and Manchester United in the summer.
Just over three years ago, Napoli acquired him from Lille for an initial sum of 70 million euros; this deal is under investigation by Italian authorities.