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 blocked from moving to Juventus.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Osimhen detailed the broken promises and behind-the-scenes machinations that ultimately forced him to move from Naples to Galatasaray.
Also read: Galatasaray declare Osimhen 'not for sale' amid interest from Barcelona, Atletico
'Gentleman's Agreement' was not respected
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 next summer, an agreement he claims was not respected.
Also read: I was forced to sign for Napoli in 2020 – Osimhen reveals
“We had a gentleman's agreement whereby I could go next summer,” Osimhen said. “But on the other hand the commitment was not fully respected.
“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 very 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 played a key role in Napoli's 2022/23 Serie A victory, scoring 26 league goals to give the club its first title in 33 years since the Diego Maradona era.
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 a breakdown in communication from the club leadership.
Despite his historic contributions, Osimhen said he felt punished for looking for a new challenge.
After a turbulent summer that included failed negotiations and social media controversy, the striker eventually sealed a loan move to Galatasaray, a transfer that offered both sporting and personal redemption.
On Tuesday night in Istanbul, Osimhen recorded two assists as Galatasaray beat Juventus 5-2 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie, underscoring his continued influence at the elite level, even if he did not get on the scoresheet.
