NAPOLI have finally broken their silence on the now-deleted videos shared by the club's official TikTok account mocking Victor Osimhen.
Earlier this week, the Serie A champions posted two shocking clips, one mocking the Nigerian striker for missing a penalty and another branding him a “coconut” — widely viewed as a racial slur.
Osimhen's agent Roberto Calenda was quick to release a statement threatening legal action.
But now Napoli have finally broken their silence on the situation - saying "no offence was intended" and the bizarre clips were meant to be "light-hearted".
A statement read: “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."
Osimhen played and scored in Wednesday night's 4-1 win over Udinese - but refused to celebrate his goal.
He was taken off penalty duties following his Bologna miss which was the subject of one of Napoli's TikToks.
Earlier this week, Osimhen's agent fumed: “We reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor.
“What happened on Napoli's official profile is not acceptable.
“A video mocking Victor was first made public and then belatedly deleted.
“A serious fact that causes very serious damage to the player and adds to the treatment the boy is suffering.”
Premier League clubs are now keen to capitalise on the unsettled forward's situation in the January transfer window.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are monitoring the situation.
But European heavyweights Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested should Napoli be forced to sell their £150million-rated superstar.
JoyNg01
581
Such arrogance! This is not an apology. It's clear that they are ungrateful and haughty. I think it's time he leaves the club. They have made it clear that he's not welcome there anymore. Such level of unprofessionalism😒😒
vundlosz
548
what is happening in Manchester united is about to happen in Napoli but Napoli should know that osimhen is one of the key play them has over there
humclprz
490
in the statement above...I can firmly say that Napoli hasn't got remorse over what they did to Osimhen.🙂
Chelsea☺️
431
Players can apologize to Club and Managers if they offend them. But club and Managers can't apologize to players if they mock 😕 and with their social media handle that's very bad A little sorry will change all the narrative instead of this long explanation No offense 😔
JoyNg01
424
See pride This is not an apology to your treasured player. The video is offensive, just apologise to Osimehen, Nigeria and Africa at large🇳🇬💚🤍💚
CruzJR999
399
🗣️: Bro Should Faulse His Way out Of That Racist Club ❌ I Repeat He Should Fausle His Way Out❗❗ And Find A Club Like United🔴 Madrid⚪ Or Any Other Top Clubs💯
Peaceking1234
245
Whatever is done to bring you or name down, we cancel it in Jesus Name💯🙏 but we always remember we stand by your side in Everything💯💪 , Victor👑
Justin’s
189
Don’t forget the club is in Italy 🇮🇹 so no wonder if wants peace of mind he should consider leaving for good or he should expect more than this mockery
Peaceking1234
86
Nigerians💚⚪ took to the Streets to show Support for Victor Oshimen👑💯, Lovely❤ Gesture💯👏
Seedikmot
85
they gave unknown player Napoli best player last season and gave the same unknown player Seria A best player.. the two awards belong to Osigmen but their reason was that the unknown player was the one giving assist and I got surprised by rating who give assist higher than who scored goal? this season Osigmen don't score like he normally does and my question is how many points and position is Napoli occupying now without Osigmen goals and my question again is where's the assist player now? I heard the fucking coach complaining that Osigmen is not helping much in defense duty after scored two goals and my question is if one player will 10 positions while there's division of labour
OmowaAdekunle
10
The club didn’t help him too right ?? Sometimes let’s be honest it’s Vice versa, he is now a star that’s why he is raising his shoulders if he was just new and no one knew his name like before he joined Napoli and they posted this he wouldn’t have even raised his shoulders
it's sad you can type such nonsense, he only missed a penalty, and the club went on to post such video, if it was a good or reasonable video, would it be deleted...ask yourself that question