London:
Napoli said on Thursday they never intended to humiliate their striker Victor Osimhen by posting a mocking social media video, but the Serie A champions refused to apologize to the Nigeria international.
The Italian side posted a loud video on TikTok showing Osimhen missing a penalty in Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Bologna, which was later removed.
Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda later threatened legal action, while the 24-year-old player removed all pictures of himself in a Napoli shirt from his social media accounts.
A statement on the team’s official website read: “To avoid any possible exploitation of this case, Napoli would like to state clearly that the club never intended to insult or mock Victor Osimhen, Who is an asset to the club.”
“Napoli rejected all offers to sign the striker during the summer – this is strong proof of his appreciation by the club.” On social media, and especially TikTok, the use of expressive language was light-hearted and playful. goes. There was no intention of mockery or ridicule in this matter involving Victor. “If Victor was angry in any way, it was not in the club’s intentions at all.” Osimhen helped Napoli end their 33-year wait for a league title last season as he was Serie A’s top scorer with 26 goals.
Despite the controversy, he played and scored in Napoli’s 4–1 league win over Udinese on Wednesday, taking his goal tally to four in seven matches this season. Champions Napoli are fifth in the league standings and face Lecce on Saturday before hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League.
