Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has criticized Napoli for their poor treatment of him before his transfer to Galatasaray, claiming the club showed him no respect.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by Football Italia, the Super Eagles striker confirmed that Juventus attempted to sign him in 2024 through then sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.
“Yes, but I could have been at two other top Serie A clubs today,” he said.
“[Ex-Juventus director] Giuntoli called me to take me to Juve before negotiations with Galatasaray began.
“I spoke with a couple of people from the club. They showed interest, but I knew that he [Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis] wouldn’t let me leave.
“In any case, the interest was definitely there. And when Juventus call, regardless of everything, you sit down and listen.”
Osimhen played a key role in Napoli’s 2022-23 Serie A title under Luciano Spalletti. Relations later deteriorated.
He pointed to a September 2023 TikTok post by Napoli mocking him after a missed penalty against Bologna as a turning point.
“After Napoli posted that video on TikTok, something broke.
“Anyone can miss a penalty, and anyone can be mocked for it. Napoli did it only to me, and with certain kinds of insinuations as well.
“I was the victim of racist insults, and I made my decision. I wanted to leave.”
He said no public apology was issued and dismissed rumours of disciplinary problems as “lies”.
Although he signed a contract extension in December 2023, he said there was a gentleman’s agreement allowing him to leave the following summer.
“They tried to send me anywhere to play, but they treated me like a dog.
“Go here, go there, do this, do that. I worked so hard to build my career, and I couldn’t accept that kind of treatment. I’m not a puppet.”
Osimhen added that Antonio Conte, appointed Napoli coach in 2024, asked him to stay.
“As soon as he arrived, Conte called me into his office and said he was aware of the situation but that, despite everything, he wanted me to stay.
“I said I would have liked to work with him, but I had already made my decision. I didn’t want to keep working in a place where I didn’t feel happy.”
Now in Istanbul, he says he has found stability.
“I found a club and a city that I love.
“As soon as you arrive in Istanbul, you understand why anyone who has played here has fallen in love with the team and the people. I had never experienced anything like it.”
Osimhen will face Juventus tonight in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.
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