“Osimhen should leave”- Fans criticize Napoli president after controversial statement on African players
The Napoli boss has incurred the ire of some fans after his contemptuous statement about African footballers
Football fans have taken to social media to share their angst after Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis stated that he would never sign any African player unless they agree to withdraw from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Last season, the Partenopeans’ setup was formed around an African foundation. Whilst Osimhen was spearheading the attack, Kalidou Koulibaly was the stalwart in defense. Zambo Anguissa was also an important player, but he was not indispensable.
During the last AFCON, Napoli were without their African stars, except Osimhen, who returned to action midway into the competition. However, their absence was not felt much, as Luciano Spalletti’s lads lost just one game throughout the AFCON.
Still, the Napoli chief De Laurentiis is adamant that African players are not productive because of their biannual participation in Africa’s biggest football competition.
Following De Laurentiis’ comments, fans have taken to social media to troll the Napoli president.
I expect more African players including those of African descent but don’t represent their nations to speak up. Such statement from the Napoli president should not have left his lips at all. https://t.co/YZ4jxfAdvR
— Dash™ 😑 (@147_dash) August 3, 2022
That’s why Napoli will continue to struggle
— Inyaka Godspower (@GodspowerInyaka) August 3, 2022
Osimhen should leave Napoli, if he has a spine https://t.co/kbU2zI16L5
— Major El-Bizon (@jackforall1991) August 3, 2022
In 2022 to air this comment and assume African players will choose to miss AFCON to play for Napoli? Please, they’ll sign for another club sir don’t approach us with 1700’s mentality, days of those threats are over. AFCON over Napoli any day
— Beker Ngoie (@BekerNgoie) August 3, 2022
The Napoli president sounds very entitled, disrespectful and if not racist.
— producer Kasovicious (@kasovicious) August 3, 2022
Oh Liverpool did but still played the champions league final. Nobody really cares about how the Napoli president feels in the grand scheme of football
— Nnamdi Awa (@nnamdicawa) August 3, 2022
Osihmen should leave Napoli and move to engaknd or another club the comment on Napoli president I don’t like it @omaakatugba
— Daniel (@redestator) August 3, 2022
That’s complete of nonsense statement of Napoli president.
— George M.Cowell Jr. (@GeorgeMCowellJ1) August 3, 2022
With or without African players, Napoli can’t win a trophy in at least next 2 decades so he can sit down now
— YSD (@KoolTian) August 3, 2022
He wants Africans to sign a decree not to play for their country at a FIFA recognized tournament. Both De laurentis and Napoli are Mad with the heavy letter capital M!!!
— jidekoma anuforom (@jidekoma) August 3, 2022
The options *are* there, and the Napoli club president voiced his very racist option lol.
— Uncle Dobson™ | The Wing King (@AnthonyMDobson) August 3, 2022
Napoli will never win any meaniful cup unless that decision is reserved. Ask PEP
— PK (@Nyatsanze) August 3, 2022
The message is clear: it’s up to african players to work harder on the fields and turndown Napoli. That’s it!
— K-f Lamine (@Kflamine) August 3, 2022
