Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has squashed reports he might leave the club this summer, insisting he is happy in Naples. The Nigerian international has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal this summer, but he explained to Corriere dello Sport that he feels close to Naples and the clubs fans:
“I have experienced very difficult moments, even private ones, but Napoli has always been close to me and that is one of the reasons I am here. I’m happy, I’m in a beautiful city and a wonderful club.
Naples is one of the best places to be a footballer: Maradona played here, the best ever, I consider it a privilege and a great honour to play in the stadium named after him.
We were very, very close to the Scudetto, we gave our all to win it, but that’s football. It was and remains a dream, we’ll try again. Champions League, however, was also a dream and we achieved that.
Few people believe we’ll be competitive for the Scudetto, and that is an opinion I respect, however, I think we can do much, much better next season than the last one.
We’ll do everything to improve again, we’re very motivated. Napoli are still strong, definitely strong. I like to look at my team and I think they’re always the strongest.
Juve, however, have improved a lot with Di Maria and Pogba, and then Inter with Lukaku, Roma with Dybala. We, too, however, have made great signings.
The team has changed a lot. Gone are Insigne, Ospina, Koulibaly, Mertens and Ghoulam, key men and great leaders, and I want to thank them, I adore them all and wish them only the best.
But now there are other leaders, I am happy for Di Lorenzo, the new captain, and then there is Mario Rui.
And by the way, new good, determined and technical players have arrived who will help us fill the void left by these great champions. Olivera, Ostigard, Kvaratskhelia and Kim will increase our quality.
I’m at Napoli and I have great respect for my club. These are just market rumours, I’m happy here and I’ve never had such close relations with everyone as I do right now.
I spoke with President De Laurentiis, he is the one who decides, and he reassured me by explaining the club’s plans.
I’m happy with what he told me and the signings are quality, words have been followed by deeds. I’m very happy to play with Napoli and in the future we’ll see.
He is a top coach, 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, he is one of the reasons why I always give my best. I’m happy when he is satisfied with my performance.
Immobile is my favourite Italian striker. I like him a lot. Vlahovic is also very strong. Then Lukaku is back, there is Lautaro. And there’s me. It will be a good fight.
Leao is fast, but I am really fast. Drogba is my idol, my inspiration, he has always motivated me to become who I am and one day I hope to get close to him.
Today I am also inspired by Harry Kane, but there are many strikers around that I like and can learn something from.”
