Victor Osimhen has reaffirmed his devotion to Napoli, calling his adventure in the Italian city of Naples, Italy, as thrilling.
On Napoli’s verified TikTok account, a video was posted blatantly ridiculing Osimhen for missing a penalty against Bologna.
In the backdrop of the footage, a high-pitched voice yelled, “gimme penalty, please.” A later video made similarities between Osimhen and a coconut.
While the club issued a statement saying the video was not meant to injure their prized player, several fans chastised Napoli for the development. Though the Nigerian had remained mum on the issue, he finally spoke up and promised his support for the Serie A champions.
“Coming to the City of Naples in 2020 was a wonderful decision for me. The People of Napoli have shown me so much love and kindness, and I will not allow anyone to come between us,” he wrote on Instagram Sunday.
“The passion of the People of Naples fuels my fire to always play with my heart and soul, and the love for the badge is unwavering as I wear it with pride”.
“The accusations against the People of Naples are untrue. I have a lot of friends who are Napolitans and have become part of my family and everyday life. I appreciate Nigerians and everyone for lending their voices to support and reach out to me”.
“I’m forever grateful. Let’s support unity, respect, and understanding. FORZA NAPOLI SEMPRE”
Previously, Osimhen, who led Napoli to their first league triumph in three decades, had erased all Napoli-related content from his Instagram account.
His agent had also threatened Napoli with legal action.
“What happened today on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable. A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted,” Roberto Calenda said on Twitter, now called X, late on Tuesday evening.
“(It is) 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.”
The Nigerian government also pledged to seek diplomatic means to resolve the impasse.