Napoli claims that the club’s now-deleted social media message was not intended to humiliate Nigerian Victor Osimhen.
The TikTok post, which was later deleted, showed Osimhen failing to score his penalty kick in a Serie A match with a high-pitched voice asking “gimme penalty please,” prompting a furious reaction from Roberto Calenda. Calenda, Osimhen’s agent, threatened Napoli with legal action when the footage was released.
“(It is) 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,” he tweeted. “We reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor.”
However, Napoli claims that the club had no malicious intent.
“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,” a Thursday statement read.
“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 a 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”.
Napoli’s full statement
To avoid any potential exploitation of the matter, SSC Napoli would like to explicitly state that the club never intended to offend or make fun of Victor Osimhen, who is an asset to the club.
Over the course of the summer Napoli rejected all offers to sign the striker – firm proof of the club’s appreciation of him.
On social media, and TikTok particularly, expressive language is used in a light-hearted and playful manner. In this case involving Victor there was no intention of mockery or derision.
If Victor was in any way offended, this was not at all in the club’s intentions.
