Victor Osimhen has spoken candidly about his final months at SSC Napoli, claiming he was treated unfairly despite his contributions to the club’s success.
Osimhen played a pivotal role in Napoli’s historic 2022/23 Serie A title win under Luciano Spalletti, finishing as the league’s top scorer and helping the club secure its first championship in more than three decades. However, his form dipped the following season amid uncertainty surrounding his future.
Although the 27-year-old signed a contract extension in December 2023, he revealed there had been a prior understanding that he would be permitted to leave the club the following summer — an agreement he says was not fully honoured.
“We had a gentleman’s agreement that I could move the following summer, but it wasn’t fully respected,” Osimhen said in comments reported by Football Italia.
“They tried to push me in different directions — go here, go there. After everything I sacrificed to build my career, I couldn’t accept being treated that way. I’m not a puppet,” he added.
The Nigeria international later completed a €75 million permanent transfer to Galatasaray S.K. after an initial loan spell.
Osimhen also disclosed that Juventus F.C. showed strong interest in signing him in 2024. He confirmed that former Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli personally contacted him before negotiations with Galatasaray advanced.
“Yes, there was interest,” Osimhen said. “When Juventus come calling, you always listen. I spoke with people from the club, but I knew the Napoli president wouldn’t approve the move.”
Now playing in Turkey, Osimhen has become a key figure for Galatasaray, recording 15 goals and three assists in 22 appearances as manager Okan Buruk leads the team’s push for a fourth consecutive league title.
