Napoli boss makes Osimhen statement as Premier League clubs weigh up transfer

28 September 2023 , 13:44

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Napoli boss Rudi Garcia (Image: AP)

Napoli manager Rudi Garcia has insisted everything is "back to normal" with star striker Victor Osimhen after he threatened to sue the club.

Napoli posted a video on their official TikTok account that appeared to mock Osimhen for missing a penalty in their 0-0 draw with Bologna. In response, Osimhen's agent Roberto Calenda said they were considering taking legal action against the club.

"What happened today on Napoli's official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable," Calenda said in a statement. "A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted.

"A serious fact that causes very serious damage to the player and adds to the treatment that the boy is suffering in the last period between media trials and fake news. We reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor."

Osimhen also took down nearly all the Napoli related posts from his Instagram account. However, the 24-year-old was named in the starting line-up as Napoli took on Udinese on Wednesday and, while midfielder Piotr Zielinski took over the penalty duties, Osimhen did get on the scoresheet.

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The forward put Napoli 2-0 up after Zielinski had given them the lead from the spot, with the reigning Serie A champions ultimately winning the match 4-1. Speaking after the game, Garcia played down the controversy and insisted Osimhen was fully committed to Napoli after the incident put Premie League clubs on red-alert.

"I have had a very good rapport with Victor since the moment I arrived," Garcia told DAZN, as per Football Italia. "I am happy because he scored a goal and centre-forwards always want to score goals.

Victor Osimhen scored for Napoli against Udinese (Getty Images)

"In Bologna we were all frustrated at not winning and he was even more after missing a penalty, so that can happen. We cleared the air, it all went back to normal.

"Over the last two days there was a bit of trouble with some clumsy behaviour. Nobody wanted to be hurtful, not the TikTok with the video of Victor, nor Victor by taking his photographs down on social media.

"Nobody intended to hurt anyone, these are instinctive reactions and are understandable. It is his social media account, he can do what he wants with it. All I can say is that he loves this jersey and will give everything for Napoli this season as well."

Matthew Cooper