Victor Osimhen Reflects on His Departure from Napoli and New Beginnings at Galatasaray

omidbasir- In the summer of 2024, renowned coach Antonio Conte assumed the managerial role at Napoli, hoping to retain striker Victor Osimhen at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. However, the 27-year-old had already decided to pursue new opportunities, with Juventus expressing interest in keeping him within Serie A.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Osimhen stated, “I could have joined two other top Serie A clubs today. [Former Juventus director] Giuntoli contacted me about a transfer to Juventus before negotiations with Galatasaray commenced. I had discussions with club representatives who showed genuine interest, but I was aware that Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis would not allow my departure. Nevertheless, the interest from Juventus was undeniable, and when such a club reaches out, it’s only prudent to listen.”

By the time an initial loan agreement was reached with the Turkish club Galatasaray, Osimhen’s rapport with Napoli’s management had deteriorated. Despite being the top scorer in Serie A for the 2022-23 season with 31 goals across all competitions, his situation quickly soured.

In September 2023, Napoli’s social media channels publicly mocked Osimhen after he missed a penalty against Bologna. The posts sparked widespread criticism and left Osimhen contemplating his future. He expressed, “I feel for the fans, especially since I never discussed the events leading up to this. Some approached me at my home seeking an explanation, and I urged them to consider my perspective. After Napoli posted that TikTok video, something snapped.”

He continued, “Missing a penalty can happen to anyone, and while mockery is common, Napoli’s treatment felt uniquely targeted. I experienced racist insults, which led me to make my decision to leave. I removed all images of me in the Napoli jersey from my Instagram, and it seemed they exploited this to turn the fans against me. For me, my daughter is more Neapolitan than Nigerian.”

Osimhen lamented the absence of a public apology following the incident. He noted, “After that infamous video, Edoardo De Laurentiis reached out multiple times, but that was the extent of our communication. Meanwhile, unfounded rumors circulated about my punctuality at training and disagreements with teammates. Those claims were completely false. I empathize with the fans and respect their unwavering support for the club.”

Although Osimhen signed a contract extension with Napoli in December 2023, the terms were primarily to maintain his market value, as he was aware he would not remain in Naples. He remarked, “We had a gentleman’s agreement that I could leave the following summer, but this commitment was not honored from their side. They attempted to dictate my movements, treating me poorly. I worked tirelessly to build my career and couldn’t accept that kind of treatment. I am not a puppet.”

Conte’s attempts to persuade Osimhen to stay were ultimately unsuccessful. He recounted their discussions: “Of course, some claimed he didn’t want me, but are we serious? Which coach wouldn’t want me at that moment? Upon his arrival, Conte brought me into his office, acknowledging the situation but expressing a desire for me to stay. I conveyed my willingness to work with him, but my mind was made up; I did not wish to remain in an environment where I felt unhappy.”

Currently, Osimhen is thriving in his second season at Galatasaray, having secured a permanent transfer and achieving 52 goals in 63 appearances. He remarked on his experience in Turkey, saying, “I have found a club and a city that I genuinely love. Perhaps it was fate. Upon arriving in Istanbul, it becomes clear why so many former players have fallen in love with this team and its supporters. I had never encountered anything like it.”