During the 2023 summer transfer window, Viktor Osimhen had attracted the attention of many European teams, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has revealed the difficulties he faced after turning down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
Soccernet previously reported that Saudi Arabia’s Pro League club Al Hilal had made a hefty offer of 200 million euros to Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis to lure the Nigerian striker to the Saudi Pro League. Ta.
Meanwhile, further reports have revealed that the Super Eagles talisman has reached a verbal agreement with Al Hilal to leave the Diego Maradona Stadium.
Osimhen reflected on the mega offer on the ‘Obi Wan’ podcast with John Obi Mikel and admitted that while Napoli wanted to keep him, it was difficult to turn down Saudi Arabia’s offer.
“What I was told is true. To be honest, I never thought of leaving last summer because Napoli wanted to keep me, but when the huge offer from Saudi Arabia came, “It was difficult to say no. I spoke with Napoli and decided to stay,” Osimhen said.
“It was crazy. The more I said no, the more they made financial offers.” It would have changed my life. they never gave up. But I said, “No, guys, I’m staying here.”
Despite increasing financial incentives, Osimhen, who attracted interest from several European clubs last season, has decided to remain at the Italian club.
He admitted that the decision was a challenge, but stressed that he wants to continue playing in Europe.
“Of course. I had an interview in August and it was a big decision for me. I talked with Napoli and together we decided to decline.
“I didn’t want to seem like I wanted to quit. It was a positive decision for my career. As much as I play football for the money, there’s a lot more to it than that,” he said. Ta.
Osimhen also mentioned his ambition to play in the Premier League, expressing his admiration for the league and revealing that he owns Chelsea and Manchester United shirts given to him by his brother. did.
He added: “I don’t have a favorite PL team, but I have two of my brother’s shirts: Chelsea and Man United.”
“Many of my friends are Chelsea fans, but only a few are Manchester United fans.”
“The Premier League is the most valuable league for all African players. It is a huge league.”
The Napoli striker is currently recovering from an injury sustained during his stint with the Super Eagles team, but is currently ruled out of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
