Napoli release statement on offensive Victor Osimhen TikTok video

SSC Napoli have apologised to Victor Osimhen after posting an offensive TikTok about the player earlier in the week.

Osimhen had threatened legal action against the Serie A champions after the club shockingly posted a disparaging TikTok video following a missed penalty in a goalless draw with Bologna on Sunday evening. The post notably infuriated the striker, who deleted all Napoli-related content on his own Instagram account shortly afterwards.

On Wednesday, Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda confirmed that the player ‘reserved the right to take legal’ action against the club for the “unacceptable” TikTok video, telling the press:

“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.”

Now, Napoli have released an official statement apologising to the player – who scored in their 4-1 win over Udinese on Wednesday evening – and confirmed that they did not mean to “offend or mock” him with the video.

“Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, points 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,” the club said.

“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.”

Reports say the situation has notably alerted Chelsea, who are monitoring Osimhen’s situation at the club in view of making a move for the talented striker during summer 2024 transfer window.

Napoli have been keen to tie their star man down to a long-term contract after he fired them to their first Scudetto in over three decades, but sources have confirmed to 90min that talks have slowed down in recent weeks due to a ‘variety of issues’ – with the recent TikTok post further complicating negotiations.