Femi Solaja with agency report
As Victor Osimhen’s speculative transfer news continue to trend on all platforms in the on-going summer window, his former Napoli teammate and Teranga Lions of Senegal Captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, has reached out to the Nigerian to remain and retain his cult-hero status at Naples.
In a heartfelt message, to the Super Eagles’ forward yesterday, Koulibaly urged Osimhen to stay back in a bid to avoid similar problem he (Koulibaly) is facing after his celebrated move from Napoli to Chelsea last summer.
The duo had enjoyed formidable relationship that saw Napoli qualified to play in the UEFA Champions League but the Senegalese strong man in the heart of defence jumped ship with a move to Chelsea last season. Sadly, it turned out a wrong move for the Senegalese as he struggled amid the club’s forgettable campaign.
Having bid his farewells after just a year, Koulibaly is now set to embark on a new adventure in Saudi Arabia.
However, Osimhen who played a pivotal role in guiding Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years after Koulibaly’s departure, is now the target of four top clubs in the English Premier League. Among them is Chelsea, the same club Koulibaly had a nightmarish experience before heading to Saudi Arabia now.
In an interview with Corriere dello Sport (via Tutto Napoli), Koulibaly conveyed his belief in Napoli’s bright future, emphasizing the club’s historical significance and potential for success in both the domestic and Champions League arenas.
Koulibaly hopes that the current players, who have already etched their names in Napoli’s history books, will remain committed to the club and not hastily depart.
He implored them to recognize the significance of their achievements and the immense potential for future success, urging them to stay and contribute to another Scudetto triumph.
“Napoli won with many points clear and favourites, but everyone will be waiting for it, and everyone will strengthen a lot,” Koulibaly said. “Serie A is making a great comeback as confirmed by the three finalists in Europe, and I’m glad.
“Among other things, when you change coach, it always takes time, but Garcia knows the Italian championship very well. It will be a great challenge for him, but he can do excellent things even if it all depends on who stays.
“Napoli deserves a great future in Italy and the Champions League: these players have written history, but if they win another Scudetto, it will be a real feat.
“They have to get it into their heads: everyone chooses their own career and life, but in Naples they made history and they can’t leave like this. I hope they stay, that they don’t all go away.”
As Chelsea and other suitors circle around Osimhen, Napoli and their loyal fans will undoubtedly hope that Koulibaly’s words resonate and convince the talented striker to continue his journey with the Neapolitans.
