-
Rudi Garcia speaks out on Victor Osimhen TikTok controversy and says ‘nobody wanted to be hurtful’
Despite the TikTok incident, Napoli manager Rudi Garcia stated that star striker Victor Osimhen was focused on the match against Udinese.
The official TikTok account of the Partenopei, which is known for posting videos with a particular tone about its players, sparked controversy earlier this week when it posted two videos featuring the Nigerian striker, one of which mocked his missed penalty against Bologna and the other of which compared him to a coconut.
Infuriated by the circumstance, Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda sent Napoli a formal legal notice. Although the recordings have now been removed, the striker hasn’t yet received an apology from the squad, according to recent sources.
Speaking to DAZN ahead of Napoli’s match with Udinese, Garcia spoke about the star striker [via Football Italia]: “We talked after Bologna, we were all frustrated and angry because we did not get the victory. In these two days, there have been some clumsy incidents on social media. I talked to him again and he is concentrated on the pitch.”
“He will give his best for this jersey, we must all be united, and we are. Playing at home is important.”
Osimhen’s long-term at the club has been called into doubt in light of the divisive sentiments that have been posted on social media.
The Nigerian star is expected to attract interest from Saudi Arabian sides in January after helping the squad end a 33-year Scudetto drought with 26 goals last season. Real Madrid and Chelsea are reportedly also considering signing the striker.
Osimhen scored a goal for the Partenopei yesterday night while playing against Udinese. On September 30, against Lecce, he is most likely to play.