Italian champions Napoli have clarified the intention behind the ‘infamous’ TikTok video of Victor Osimhen which was shared by the club a few days ago.
The edited video which featured the Nigeria striker missing a penalty was mixed with a ‘funny voice’ insinuating the 24-year-old ‘crying for a penalty only to miss it after.
Actions speak louder than words, fire whoever made this!
It’s not lighthearted, it’s an attack.pic.twitter.com/lygZKPQYdx— Football Report (@FootballReprt) September 28, 2023
The video which has triggered a number of events from concerned parties including a ‘legal threat’ from the player’s agent followed a recent outburst between the player and his coach Rudi Garcia after he was subbed in an Italian Serie A game between Napoli and Bologna.
The player had apparently offered an apology to the manager, but when the video was shared on social media, it gave birth to another controversy.
In a statement to address the concerns of the player as well as the various media reports which has resulted in many people largely condemning the club’s action, Napoli stated: “We never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club”.
The club went on to justify their bond with the player and their wish to see him for more years at the club by referring to how Osimhen was blocked from moving to other clubs when they submitted offers.
“As proof of that, during the summer training retreat, the Club firmly rebuffed every offer that was received for the striker’s transfer abroad”.
Meanwhile, Napoli believe the content shared which has ‘wrongly’ been perceived as one to mock the Osimhen, was a product of creativity without any intention of disrespect.
“Social media, in particular TikTok, has always used an expressive form of language with a light heart and creativity, without wanting to, as in the case with Osimhen as protagonist, have any intention of insult or derision”.
“In any case, if Victor perceived any offence towards him, this was not what the club intended”.
Regardless of the issue, Osimhen was named in Napoli’s starting lineup in their game against Udinese on Wednesday where he scored the second goal as clinched a resounding 4-1 victory.
