Victor Osimhen Napoli crisis has once again dominated football headlines across Italy after explosive comments from the Nigerian striker triggered a firm response from a former Napoli executive. The controversy, which has been simmering for months, resurfaced after Osimhen spoke openly about his final period at the Italian club, describing it as one of the most painful chapters of his career.
The comments quickly went viral, shaking Italian football circles and prompting an immediate reaction from Napoli’s former sporting director Mauro Meluso, who addressed the issue in an interview with Italian media.
Meluso Responds to Osimhen’s Words
Speaking to Radio Napoli Centrale, Meluso addressed the strong language used by Victor Osimhen, who now plays for Galatasaray. Meluso emphasized that some of Osimhen’s statements may have been misunderstood due to linguistic differences between English and Italian.
According to Meluso, Osimhen’s phrase about being “treated like a dog” should not be interpreted in the harshest possible way. He explained that in English, the expression may have been intended to describe being pushed toward multiple transfer options without clarity, while in Italian culture, the same wording carries a much more aggressive and insulting tone.
Meluso insisted there was no intention to humiliate the player, stating that the club’s actions were purely related to transfer planning and squad restructuring.
What Did Osimhen Say Before the Juventus Match?
The Victor Osimhen Napoli crisis escalated after the striker spoke ahead of a UEFA Champions League match against Juventus. In that interview, Osimhen revealed that there had been a “gentleman’s agreement” allowing him to leave during the summer, but claimed the agreement was not respected.
Osimhen stated that he felt pressured, pushed in different directions, and stripped of control over his own career. He stressed that he had worked hard to reach the top level and refused to accept what he described as disrespectful treatment, adding that he was “not a puppet.”
The TikTok Video That Changed Everything
Another critical moment in the Victor Osimhen Napoli crisis was the controversial TikTok video shared by Napoli. Osimhen said the post deeply hurt him and marked a turning point in his relationship with the club.
He explained that missing a penalty is part of football and that every player experiences difficult moments. However, he felt Napoli unfairly singled him out and mocked him publicly, which he believes opened the door to racist abuse online.
Osimhen revealed that following the incident, he decided to leave the club. He deleted photos of himself wearing the Napoli shirt from his Instagram account, a move that further fueled tension between him and the fanbase.
A Personal and Emotional Fallout
Osimhen also shared the emotional toll the situation had on his family. He said Napoli supporters came to his home demanding explanations, and while he spoke to them calmly, the damage had already been done.
In one of the most striking moments of his interview, Osimhen said his daughter felt more Neapolitan than Nigerian, underlining how deeply rooted he had become in the city before the relationship collapsed.
An Ongoing Debate in Italian Football
The Victor Osimhen Napoli crisis continues to divide opinion in Italy. While some supporters defend the club’s management, others believe the striker’s feelings were valid and mishandled by the organization.
Meluso concluded by saying that emotions often run high in football and that clearer communication on both sides might have prevented the situation from escalating so dramatically.

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