Osimhen Admits He Chose Career Ahead of Saudi’s Petro-dollars

Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen was on the brink of switching from Napoli to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. 

According to Napoli news outlet, Tutto Napoli, the striker made the disclosure while speaking to ‘Obi One Podcast’, the podcast of former Nigerian footballer John Obi Mikel. 

He confirmed that he was almost switching to Al Hilal, the former club of Odion Ighalo. Osimhen valued by Napoli at £173m – was almost was almost convinced to join  Al-Hilal, who had already signed Wolves captain Ruben Neves and Neymar.

“What has been said is true. I have to be honest, I never thought about leaving last summer because Napoli wanted to keep me, but when the offer came from Saudi Arabia, a huge offer, it was hard to refuse. I spoke to Napoli and decided to stay”, Osimhen remarked. 

“It was crazy… The more I said no, the more the economic supply increased. It would have changed my life; they never gave up. But I said: no guys, I’m staying. Do I want to continue playing in Europe now? Of course. 

“I had talks in August, it was a huge decision for me. I spoke to Napoli and we decided together to refuse. 

“I didn’t want people to think I wanted to leave. It was a positive decision for my career. As much as football is played for money, there is also so much more.” 

Osimhen said he doesn’t have a favourite team in the English Premiership. 

“But I had two shirts: Chelsea and Manchester United. A lot of my friends support Chelsea, a little less Manchester United. The Premier League is a league that is very popular with African footballers.” 

Osimhen finished last season as fifth-highest scorer in Europe, which also attracted interest from Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea.

The striker fired Napoli to a first league title since Diego Maradona’s side in 1990, with the Italian club also reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.