Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen took a moment to reflect on his time at the Diego Maradona Stadium as speculation mounts over a potential summer move.
The 25-year-old joined the defending Serie A champions from the French side Lille in 2020 and has since scored over 70 goals since his arrival.
Last season, he played a pivotal role in Napoli's first Scudetto triumph in over three decades, scoring 26 goals in the process.
This remarkable achievement attracted interest from several clubs, reportedly including those seeking the Nigerian international.
With several clubs keen on roping Osimhen into their setup, in December 2023, he extended his contract with Napoli until 2026, with a new release clause set at €130 million.
This development did not deter the interested clubs who are still pursuing the Napoli man. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea are the two clubs battling for Osimhen's signature.
In the current campaign, he has scored 15 goals, with eight assists in 28 games for Napoli across all competitions for the Naples club.
In a recent interview as reported by Il Mattino, Osimhen shared his heartfelt sentiments about his experience playing for the club and the profound impact of the passionate Napoli fans.
Victor Osimhen's heartfelt reflections: Napoli's passionate fanbase and the Maradona legacy
In the said interview, the reigning African Footballer of the Year his deep appreciation for the atmosphere at the Diego Maradona Stadium and the support he receives from the fans.
“I understand why some legends of the past cried when they left Naples, because it is an extraordinary emotion to play in the Maradona stadium and hear your name shouted from the first minute to the ninetieth,” Victor Osimhen reflected.
“I'm the kind of person who never gives up, no matter what circumstances I find myself in. I always try to do my best to achieve what I set myself,” he continued.
Recalling conversations with former teammate Kalidou Koulibaly, Osimhen shared, “I remember Koulibaly telling me about the atmosphere in the stadium, about when you score a goal and the fans shout your name like it happened to Cavani and Higuain when they did the same. Scoring in the Maradona was like a dream come true because playing on the same team as the greatest footballer of all time, Maradona, was a great privilege and I feel very honoured.”
Reflecting on the Napoli fans, Osimhen said, “The Napoli fans are absolutely incredible. When I have to look for a word to describe them I am speechless because they are absolutely overwhelming. A city this big that takes football so seriously and the way the fans support the team is truly unbelievable.”
“The whole stadium is always electrifying, every player has goosebumps and when we score it's fantastic, the whole stadium turns upside down. They are among the best fans in the world for how they support their team and how they live their everyday lives ensuring that the identity of this club is connected to them,” Osimhen added.
“For me it's a fantastic feeling, in some clubs it's the history that creates the identity, in Naples it's the fans who make the team what it is. The way they support the team and each player is truly incredible. It's extraordinary, these fans are fantastic,” he concluded.
Victor Osimhen, a modern icon in Napoli's history, worthy of reverence alongside Maradona
For decades, fans of Napoli pined for the glory days when they used to be a force to reckon with not in Italy but in Europe also, when winning silverware at the highest level was achievable and when they had the sort of committed and talented heroes that other teams in the division would kill for.
The halcyon days of the Naples-based outfit they ushered the club into the realm of a powerful football side within football circles.
Over Napoli's illustrious 97-year legacy, diverse personalities, profiles, and backgrounds have donned this shirt, bringing forth a myriad of playing styles and expressions on the pitch.
Diego Armando Maradona is by far the club’s greatest footballer of all time. He was instrumental in Napoli winning their first Scudetto title in 60 years. The departure of Maradona was the harbinger of an ill-fated journey.
That explains why the Italian side rechristened the San Paolo stadium after the late Argentine. After the Maradona-led Scudetto triumph, it was several years later when Osimhen would lead Napoli to claim their first Scudetto title in 33 years.
Osimhen's time at Napoli has been nothing short of remarkable, and has without a shred of doubt etched his name in the club's folklore.
His contributions on the field, marked by prolific goal-scoring and dedication, have propelled Napoli to new heights of success.
From pivotal goals to memorable performances, Osimhen has captured the hearts of Napoli faithful and neutral fans alike.
In the same vein as the legendary Diego Maradona, Osimhen's impact transcends the boundaries of the pitch.
His commitment to the club's values and his admiration for the passionate Napoli fans mirror the sentiments once reserved for Maradona himself.
Osimhen's reverence for the club's rich history and his embrace of its culture make him not just a player, but a symbol of Napoli's enduring spirit.
That said, it's only fitting that he is revered by the Napoli faithful alongside Maradona, given his achievements which solidify his place among the club's most revered legends.
Where is Victor Osimhen headed?
With his departure from Napoli all but confirmed, the new question on the lips of many football fans is where Osimhen will be heading next.
As mentioned earlier, English Premier League club Chelsea and French giants PSG are two clubs vying for the Nigerian's signature.
PSG is in the market for a high-profile signing to replace Kylian Mbappe, who departs for Real Madrid in the summer.
Chelsea, on the other hand, is seeking a proven striker to bolster their squad, as their available attackers have failed to impress this season.
Both teams are reportedly prepared to meet Osimhen's buyout clause and agree on personal terms, but it remains unclear where Osimhen will ultimately choose to go.
In interviews, he has expressed a preference for the Premier League and his desire to play there one day.
This sentiment was further reinforced when he spoke of his admiration for Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend, Didier Drogba.
However, the possibility of returning to Ligue 1 is also significant, given his experience during his one-season spell with Lille, where he scored 13 goals in 27 appearances before joining Napoli.
As speculation mounts, the football world eagerly awaits Osimhen's decision with a great deal of apprehension.
