Victor Osimhen’s agent has rubbished suggestions his client is motivated by money and has a desire to play in Saudi Arabia.
Osimhen signed a contract extension at Napoli in December that ties him to the Serie A champions until 2026, but that has not stopped the representative of team-mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suggesting the Nigeria international sees his future elsewhere.
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Mamuka Jugeli told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Victor Osimhen has signed a new contract, but do you really believe he’ll play for Napoli for his entire career?
“I’ll tell you in advance, he will go to Saudi Arabia next summer. Napoli raised his salary but Kvicha wouldn’t accept such a transfer even for a billion.
“For example, Kvicha would prefer to play for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or maybe Manchester City; Kvaratskhelia has different goals and preferences.”
Those words prompted a furious backlash from Osimhen himself, who labelled Jugeli “a piece of filth and a disgrace” on social media.
Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda offered a more considered response but the underlying message was to focus on his own players.
Calenda said: “Everyone must look into their own home and have respect for the work of others. It is not correct to talk about the future of other players.
“This creates misunderstandings and problems as well as unfortunate predictions.
“The alleged words of agent Mamuka Jugeli are bad, superficial and unacceptable.
“These words create problems for my player Victor Osimhen with Napoli fans without any reason.
“We have just signed a contract renewal and Victor’s only wish, in addition to the Africa Cup of Nations, is to help Napoli. Everything else is rubbish.”
Osimhen scored 31 goals in all competitions last season as Napoli claimed the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years. He was also named African Footballer of the Year.
