Napoli Striker Reveals ‘Surreal’ Summer Offer Amidst Interest from Europe’s Elite; Credits Drogba’s Inspiration for Stellar Performance
Napoli’s prolific striker, Victor Osimhen, has disclosed that he turned down a lucrative summer offer from Saudi Arabia in favor of staying with Napoli, citing the decision as crucial for the advancement of his football career. The Nigerian sensation, who played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Scudetto victory last season with an impressive 31 goals, revealed the intriguing details on former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel’s ‘The Obi One’ Podcast.
Osimhen, valued at £174 million by the Italian champions, recounted the persistence of Saudi club Al Hilal, known for high-profile signings like Ruben Neves and Neymar in the summer transfer window. “The more I said no to them, the more they increased it,” Osimhen commented on the offer, describing the week as a momentous period for him to make a decision.
In the face of interest from European heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United, Osimhen expressed his commitment to Napoli, emphasizing the importance of a career-focused decision over financial considerations. The 24-year-old striker finished the previous season as the fifth-highest scorer in Europe, attracting attention from top clubs.
Notably, Osimhen drew motivation from his football idol, Didier Drogba, during Napoli’s pursuit of Serie A glory and a memorable run to the Champions League quarter-finals. “I am still learning and watching a lot of Drogba’s highlights as well as some other amazing strikers,” Osimhen said. Drogba’s inspiring message on Instagram, expressing support and encouragement, provided Osimhen with a significant boost.
As Osimhen continues to shine on the pitch, his admiration for the Premier League is evident, with several top English clubs likely to monitor his availability in upcoming transfer windows. Despite not having a boyhood Premier League team, Osimhen revealed his connection to Chelsea and Manchester United jerseys from his grassroots football days. The Nigerian striker acknowledged the widespread influence of the Premier League in Nigeria, making it a focal point of football interest for fans in the country.
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