Napoli have released an official statement denying that there are any tensions between Victor Osimhen and Aurelio De Laurentiis, following recent comments made by the Partenopei President that ‘the mood has changed’.
Napoli have rejected suggestions that De Laurentiis made negative comments about Osimhen, but have admitted that the Nigerian has ‘had second thoughts’ over his desire to continue with the club.
Osimhen is contracted to Napoli until the summer of 2025, but as of yet and despite numerous attempts, an agreement over a contract extension has not been reached.
Recently, Osimhen had reportedly been left infuriated when a pair of insulting TikToks appeared on the club’s official social media channels, one mocking him for missing a penalty, the other comparing him to a coconut.
There are also reports that Napoli have become frustrated that their star striker has picked up another injury while away on international duty with Nigeria.
Then, on Thursday, De Laurentiis told reporters: “I have never not been calm when it comes to Osimhen, but it takes two to tango.”
He continued: “We have a good rapport, the contract runs until 2025, so there is time.” However, he did issue the warning: “Don’t forget I sold Koulibaly at the last minute.”
In response to the almost immediate backlash the club received following De Laurentiis’ comments, Napoli posted the following statement to their official club website on Friday.
“President De Laurentiis did not say anything negative about Victor, only that after a long negotiation that ended with a handshake, confirming his desire to continue the relationship, Victor had second thoughts.
“President De Laurentiis’ hope is that it is just a pause for reflection. Because Victor will remain out of action for rehabilitation, he and his agent Roberto Calenda along with De Laurentiis will meet in the coming weeks to talk about the future, in the utmost calmness.
“Reading that there is tension between Osimhen and Napoli is completely out of line.”