Share this @internewscast.com

Victor Osimhen came off the bench to score a towering header on Saturday as Napoli beat Lecce 4-0.

It comes amid uncertainty over the striker’s future at Napoli after he was mocked by his club’s TikTok account. 

Osimhen’s agent threatened legal action after the club posted a video that showed the 24-year-old appealing for a penalty during a 0-0 draw against Bologna, with sped-up audio captioned ‘Gimme penalty please’ before showing him blazing the spot-kick wide of the post.

In a statement on Thursday, Napoli broke their silence as they said: ‘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.’

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen scored off the bench in their 4-0 win over Lecce on Saturday

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen scored off the bench in their 4-0 win over Lecce on Saturday

The 24-year-old's future at the club is uncertain after he was mocked by their social media

 The 24-year-old’s future at the club is uncertain after he was mocked by their social media

Manager Rudi Garcia said the incident was not the reason for his star striker’s omission from the starting side against Lecce, insisting he was left out for squad rotation reasons.

‘The lads know they must be fully concentrated on this match, because it is already a few days after the last game and it is played under the sun and heat. 

‘This is no friendly, Lecce have had a great start to the season and we must be at 100 per cent physically and mentally to get a result,’ he told DAZN before the match.

‘There has to be squad rotation, it is almost a third of the team that changed since the game with Udinese, so it’s natural to look to everyone, including those who come off the bench.’

The manager would not be drawn on the TikTok situation and simply said it would ‘sort itself out.’

Osimhen did not appear to celebrate his goal against Lecce, which put Napoli 2-0 up shortly after half time, but did clap the away fans after full time.

He was similarly unmoved after scoring in Napoli’s 4-1 win against Udinese, although he did shake hands with Garcia as he left the pitch. 

According to reports from Italy, this interaction between the manager and his star striker represents an armistice which could last until a potential departure in January. 

Aside from concerns over Osimhen, Napoli have made a solid start to their Scudetto defence and sit third in the league after seven games.

They will next be in action in the Champions League, with Real Madrid travelling to Southern Italy on Tuesday. 

Osimhen's agent threatened legal action following videos on Napoli's TikTok account

Osimhen’s agent threatened legal action following videos on Napoli’s TikTok account

Rudi Garcia said the scandal regarding Napoli's TikTok posts will take care of itself

Rudi Garcia said the scandal regarding Napoli’s TikTok posts will take care of itself

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Rescuing Manchester United: Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Blueprint for Revival

Initially, Sir Jim Ratcliffe was viewed as the savior who would release…

Inside Tottenham’s Struggles: Why Vicario Stays, Midfield Confusion, Defensive Challenges, and Academy Hurdles

Significant transformations have taken place within Tottenham since Liverpool’s last visit to…

Wilfried Nancy’s Future at Celtic in Doubt Amid Wider Issues at Parkhead

Nearly a year ago, Brendan Rodgers sat thoughtfully in Lennoxtown’s media room.…

Arsenal Edges Out Crystal Palace in Thrilling Penalty Shootout to Secure Carabao Cup Semi-Final Spot

In a night filled with tension and excitement, Arsenal emerged victorious to…

Manchester United Eyes Key Newcastle Talent Scout, Antoine Semenyo Transfer Race Heats Up, and Crucial Bruno Fernandes Injury News

Manchester United is on the verge of bringing in Paul Midgley, currently…

DK Metcalf Faces Potential $45 Million Loss Following Altercation with Rival Fan

Pittsburgh Steelers’ standout, DK Metcalf, faces a potentially costly suspension if the…

Ben Stokes Urges Empathy Amid Ben Duckett’s Social Media Controversy; England Revamps Squad for Ashes with Archer’s Exit

In the midst of mounting scrutiny, Ben Stokes has called for “empathy”…