Italian champions Napoli has issued a formal apology to Victor Osimhen in response to a recent regrettable incident involving the club’s TikTok account, which shared a disparaging video related to the player.
The peculiar TikTok post, which has since been removed, featured a clip of Osimhen’s missed penalty during their recent match against Bologna. The video was further enhanced with an unusual, sped-up voiceover.
This incident occurred amidst visible tension between Osimhen and Napoli’s manager, Rudi Garcia, during the aforementioned match. A candid moment captured on camera showed the 24-year-old striker expressing his displeasure with Garcia as he was substituted with a mere four minutes remaining in the goalless draw.
This unusual social media dispute arose following Osimhen’s decision not to extend his contract with the Italian team, despite reported interest from prominent clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea during the summer transfer window. His current contract is slated to run until the summer of 2025.
In response to the aforementioned TikTok incident, Osimhen and his representatives have asserted their “right to take legal action” against his own club. The player expects a formal apology from Napoli and wishes for the club to unequivocally disassociate itself from the contentious social media post.
Roberto Calenda, Osimhen’s agent, conveyed his perspective on the matter, stating, “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.
“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.”
In response to these developments, Osimhen took action on his Instagram account, removing almost all Napoli-related photos, including those from last season’s Scudetto celebrations. He also temporarily unfollowed Napoli on Instagram, before later reinstating the follow.
Amidst this ongoing controversy, Napoli has released an official statement addressing the situation involving Victor Osimhen and the TikTok video. In their statement, the club expressed their deep appreciation for Osimhen as a vital asset to their team and clarified that their actions were never intended to offend or ridicule him.
Napoli official statement on Victor Osimhen and TikTok video case.
— The Athletic NG (@TheAthleticNG) September 28, 2023
“Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, point out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club”.
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Furthermore, Napoli emphasized their steadfast refusal of transfer offers for the striker during the summer training retreat, reaffirming their commitment to retaining him.
The statement recognized that TikTok, and social media platforms in general, often employ a lighthearted and creative style of expression. Napoli reiterated that their intent was never to insult or ridicule Osimhen.
The statement reads: “Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, point out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club”.
“As proof of that, during the summer training retreat, the Club firmly rebuffed every offer that was received for the striker’s transfer abroad.”
“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.
In light of these developments, Napoli has taken steps to prevent any further misuse of the situation, demonstrating their commitment to amicably resolve the matter with Victor Osimhen.
