Napoli center-forward Victor Osimhen is unconcerned with the fame associated with being one of the world’s best strikers, as he continues to rack in the goals, with six from eight league appearances.
The Nigerian striker spoke to local channel Kortyeo (via Tuttomercatoweb), and retraced a few aspects of his playing career so far.
“Fame means nothing to me, I don’t care. There are many famous people. But with a bank account in the red, it’s not easy to show love in the world we live in, so when people come to me and show appreciation, thank me, tell me to continue like this, for me it’s a privilege.”
Osimhen then pointed to his doubters, who had defined him before he went on to become the 2022/23 Capocannoniere.
“When I arrived at Napoli there were people who said that I wouldn’t have scored even four goals because Serie A is very physical. And it’s like that but when you tell me I can’t do something, Even if I don’t know how to do it, I want to learn and challenge those people. Those who said certain things are now hiding.”
When asked what Diego Maradona means to him, Osimhen didn’t hesitate to name him as the greatest ever.
“For me, Maradona is the greatest of all time, no one else will ever be able to do something comparable in Naples.”
Osimhen suffered a skull fracture in his collision with then-Inter defender Milan Skriniar, in the 2021/22 season at San Siro. He says he is lucky to be alive.
“It was against Inter, the ball was arriving and I wanted to take it, the defender hit my face with his head and they had to operate on me. It was almost a fatal injury. I thank God that I’m still alive.”
The Nigerian then spoke about his roots.
“As a child I could only imagine becoming a footballer, the situation for my family was tough, I went to sell newspapers or bottles of water. I love Lagos, when I have four days free I come here, I like being among people. I love everything, the stress, the vibrations, the love, the jealousies.”
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