Napoli insist they ‘never wanted to mock’ Victor Osimhen in offensive TikTok video as they release statement… but do NOT apologise to the unhappy striker

Napoli have issued a formal statement regarding their controversial TikTok released which appeared to mock striker Victor Osimhen, but stopped short of issuing an apology to the forward.

The Serie A side’s social media accounts caused controversy last week as they posted videos on their Tik Tok account mocking Osimhen, leading to his agent threatening to take legal action. 

The first video that was posted said showed the forward appealing for a penalty, with sped-up audio with the caption ‘Gimme penalty please’ before showing him blazing the spot-kick wide of the post. 

A second video allegedly from the club’s account, which has been circulated online and since deleted, compared Osimhen to a ‘coconut’ – widely viewed as a racial slur. 

This led to Osimhen’s agent suggesting that the player could take legal action over the Serie A side, whish has led to Napoli issuing a formal statement as it began: ‘Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, point out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club.’

Osimhen’s agent suggested that the player could take legal action over the Serie A side

There has appeared to be tension between Osimhen and Napoli boss Rudi Garcia, with the striker seen berating his new manager after being substituted

They continued to state reveal that the club rejected several transfer offers for the forward during the summer window. 

‘As proof of that, during the summer training retreat, the Club firmly rebuffed every offer that was received for the striker’s transfer abroad.’

However, the statement refused to apologise to the forward, instead revealing the thoughts behind the media team’s use of TikTok.

‘Social media, in particular TikTok, has always used an expressive form of language with a light heart and creativity, without wanting to, as in the case with Osimhen as protagonist, have any intention of insult or derision.

‘In any case, if Victor perceived any offence towards him, this was not what the club intended.’

It remains to be seen as to how Osimhen and his agent will react to the latest statement, with an apology not present as of now.

There has appeared to be tension between Osimhen and Napoli boss Rudi Garcia, with the striker seen berating his new manager after being substituted in recent weeks.

However, the forward was confirmed to have apologised to his team-mates and Garcia for his reaction to being taken off against Bologna.

He will no doubt have plenty of interest from Europe, as well as Saudi Arabia, as one of the brightest forward’s in world football. 

The forward has previously been linked with a move to Chelsea, who could look to add fire power to their attack in the January transfer window and have recently been linked with a move for Ivan Toney.