MY ACCOUNT
Victor Osimhen has quashed rumours of a move away from Napoli and praised boss Luciano Spalletti, after he was ejected from a training session on Sunday.
Spalletti was referee for a team scrimmage and was prompted to kick Osimhen out of the training session after the Nigeria international responded angrily to a challenge from Leo Ostigard.
The 23-year-old, who contributed to 24 goals in all competitions for the Partenopei last term, has been linked in the off season with Bayern Munich and Tottenham.
Osimhen poured cold water over those rumours, however, by asserting he wants to stay at Napoli.
“A transfer? I talked to ADL [Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis], calm down. Spalletti’s top,” he told Corriere dello Sport.
“I am at Napoli, and I have great respect for my club. They are only rumours of the transfer market. I am fine here and I have never had such close relationships with everyone as at this moment.
“I have spoken with the president, he is the one who decides, and he reassured me by explaining the club’s plans.”
Scoring 14 goals in Serie A last term, Osimhen was a key figure for Napoli as they ended the season strongly, losing only three games before eventually finishing third behind Inter and champions Milan.
Although the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens have departed this window, the striker insisted he wants to keep working under Spalletti.
“He is a top coach,” Osimhen said. “Every day he tries to motivate me and make me make the most of the potential I have. I think he is the ideal coach for me at this stage.”
