'They handled me like a canine' — Osimhen opens up on second of no return at Napoli

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has lastly lifted the lid on his controversial departure from Napoli in 2024.

Victor Osimhen has lastly lifted the lid on his controversial departure from Napoli in 2024.

Osimhen went from hero to villain at Napoli in 2024 by way of no fault of his personal, as tensions with the membership escalated dramatically following his pivotal position of their 2022-23 Serie A title win.

Victor Osimhen opens up on Napoli exit

In an explosive pre-match interview forward of Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League knockout play-off first leg towards Juventus, the Nigerian striker detailed the “second of no return” that soured his relationship with the Partenopei.

“We had a gentleman’s Bargain that I may depart the next summer time, however the different facet didn’t totally honour that dedication,” Osimhen revealed by way of Fanatik.

“They despatched me all over the place to play, they usually handled me like a canine. Go right here, go there, do that, do this. I labored so exhausting to construct my profession, I could not settle for that sort of remedy. I am not a puppet.”

The breaking level, he defined, traced again to a Napoli TikTok video that mocked his missed penalty towards Bologna in September 2023, sparking racist abuse from followers.

“After the membership’s TikTok, all the pieces modified. I used to be insulted, and nobody ever apologised. I used to be a sufferer of racist insults: they handled me like a canine! I am not a puppet.”

Osimhen expressed sympathy for Napoli supporters affected by the fallout, recounting followers visiting his residence demanding explanations.

“I really feel sorry for the Napoli followers… A few of them got here to my home and demanded an evidence. We talked, and I requested them to place themselves in my sneakers.”

He later deleted Napoli-related photographs from his Instagram, additional fueling the divide.

Regardless of the bitterness towards the membership hierarchy, Osimhen spoke warmly of former coach Luciano Spalletti, denying any actual feud: “Individuals stated we argued, nevertheless it wasn’t true. I respect him a lot.”

Osimhen has since gone on to thrive in Turkey, main Galatasaray to a league and cup double in his first season, and a possible deep run within the UEFA Champions League this time period.