In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the football world, Victor Osimhen has accused Napoli of treating him 'like a dog' during his tumultuous final years with the club. The Nigerian striker, who played a pivotal role in Napoli's 2023 Serie A triumph, has opened up about the racist TikTok video that became the breaking point in his relationship with the Italian giants. But here's where it gets controversial: while many celebrate Osimhen's success, his candid account of mistreatment raises uncomfortable questions about racism and player welfare in top-tier football. And this is the part most people miss: despite signing a contract extension in December 2023, Osimhen claims it was merely a strategic move to maintain his market value, as he had already decided to leave Naples.
Osimhen's journey took a dramatic turn when Napoli publicly mocked him on social media after he missed a penalty against Bologna in September 2023. The club's posts, which many deemed racist, left the striker feeling betrayed. 'Anyone can miss a penalty, and anyone can be mocked for it,' Osimhen told Gazzetta dello Sport. 'But 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.' This incident not only strained his relationship with the club's management but also turned a portion of the fanbase against him, despite his deep personal connection to Naples—his daughter, he notes, feels more Neapolitan than Nigerian.
But here's the real kicker: Osimhen claims Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis never publicly apologized for the incident. Instead, the club spread rumors about his professionalism, alleging he arrived late to training and argued with teammates—claims Osimhen vehemently denies. 'They treated me like a dog,' he said. '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.'
Juventus, under the leadership of Antonio Conte, expressed interest in keeping Osimhen in Serie A, but by then, his mind was made up. 'When Juventus call, regardless of everything, you sit down and listen,' he admitted. However, his heart was set on a fresh start, which he eventually found with Galatasaray in Turkey.
Today, Osimhen is thriving in Istanbul, having scored 52 goals in 63 appearances for Galatasaray. 'I found a club and a city that I love,' he reflected. 'Maybe it was a stroke of luck. 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.'
But the question remains: Did Napoli mishandle one of their most valuable assets, or was Osimhen justified in his decision to leave? And more importantly, how can football clubs better protect their players from racial abuse and mistreatment? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below.
