Victor Osimhen has been banned from participating in Napoli’s senior team matches and training sessions after attempting to force a move away from the club.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte has expressed sympathy for Osimhen’s predicament, as reported by Torizone.
The 25-year-old forward was heavily linked with a transfer throughout the summer, but the window closed without any deal being finalized for the former Lille player.
While Conte emphasized the Napoli board’s decision to exclude Osimhen from the squad, he also showed empathy for the Nigerian striker’s situation.
“Some issues blocked it; perhaps if we had unlocked that [Osimhen] situation, we would have completed the team differently and earlier. I’m sorry about what happened. I’m sorry for Osimhen. I’m sorry for the club that didn’t monetize. I am sorry for myself because we didn’t complete the team as we wanted, but the club proved to be consistent in this situation. Coherence is the starting point when it comes to respecting the rules. The club proved consistent, so I praise them for this attitude,” Conte said, as quoted by Cult of Calcio.
Osimhen has received support from fellow Nigerian players, including Stanley Nwabali, Asisat Oshoala, John Ogu, Jude Odion Ighalo, and others, following the collapse of his move to Chelsea.
The former Wolfsburg striker is expected to seek a transfer in the January window, with ongoing rumors linking him to a potential move to Chelsea.
