Napoli striker Victor Osimhen admits it was hard to turn down offers from Saudi Arabia this summer: ‘The more I said no, the more they increased the financial offer.’ The Nigerian international has spent the last few weeks on the sidelines through injury, and has yet to agree a contract extension with the Partenopei. Osimhen was also the subject of sustained interest from the Saudi football league, with reports suggesting they were prepared to pay the €200 million that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis wanted.
Speaking on the ‘Obi One Podcast’, the podcast of former Nigerian footballer John Obi Mikel, Osimhen recounted Al-Hilal’s attempts to sign him earlier this year:
“What was said is true. I have to be honest, I never thought about leaving last summer because Napoli wanted to keep me, but when the offer came from Saudi Arabia, a huge offer, it was difficult to refuse. I spoke to Napoli and decided to stay. It was crazy… The more I said no, the more they increased the financial offer.
“It would have changed my life, they never gave up. But I said: ‘no guys, I’m staying.’ Do I want to continue playing in Europe now? Of course. I had talks in August, it was a huge decision for me to make. I spoke to Napoli and we decided together to refuse. I didn’t want people to think I wanted to leave. It was a positive decision for my career. As much as you play football for money, there is also so much more to it.”
Speaking of potential transfers Mikel suggested Osimhen would be a good fit for Chelsea, saying:
“Next season I know you will come to Chelsea man! I tell you, I will be the agent who will broker that deal. I will make sure it happens. We are desperate for someone like you since Drogba left the club.” To which Osimhen replied:
“I don’t have a favourite Premier club, but I have two shirts: Chelsea and Manchester United. Many of my friends are Chelsea fans, few Man United. The Premier League is the most popular league for any African player, it’s a great league.”
