Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has launched a scathing attack on former club SSC Napoli, alleging he was treated “like a dog”, subjected to racist abuse, and prevented from securing a move to Juventus.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Osimhen detailed what he described as broken promises and behind-the-scenes manoeuvring that ultimately forced his exit from Naples to Galatasaray.
Read Also: Galatasaray declare Osimhen ‘Not for Sale’ amid Barcelona, Atlético interest
‘Gentleman’s Agreement’ Not Honoured
The 27-year-old forward revealed that when he signed a contract extension with Napoli in December 2023, there was a verbal understanding that he would be allowed to leave the following summer, an agreement he claims was not honoured.
Read Also: I was forced to sign for Napoli in 2020 — Osimhen reveals
“We had a gentleman’s agreement according to which I could leave the following summer,” Osimhen said. “But the commitment was not fully respected on the other side.
“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.”
From Title Hero to Isolation
Osimhen was instrumental in Napoli’s 2022/23 Serie A triumph, scoring 26 league goals to power the club to their first title in 33 years, since the era of Diego Maradona.
However, he described his final months at the club as a period marked by isolation and disrespect, including exclusion from the first-team setup and what he perceived as a breakdown in communication from club leadership.
Despite his historic contribution, Osimhen said he felt punished for seeking a new challenge.
Following a turbulent summer that included failed negotiations and social media controversies, the striker eventually sealed a loan move to Galatasaray, a transfer that offered both sporting and personal redemption.
On Tuesday night in Istanbul, Osimhen registered two assists as Galatasaray thrashed Juventus 5-2 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie, underlining his continued influence at the elite level, even if he did not get on the scoresheet.
