According to Football Italia, Osimhen made the remarks while speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Juventus Interest and Exit Tensions

Osimhen confirmed that Juventus, through then sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, attempted to sign him in 2024 before he completed an initial loan move to Galatasaray, which was later made permanent.

“Yes, but I could have been at two other top Serie A clubs today,” Osimhen said.

“Giuntoli called me to take me to Juve before negotiations with Galatasaray began. I spoke with a couple of people from the club. They showed interest, but I knew that he [Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis] wouldn’t let me leave.”

He added that when Juventus show interest, “you sit down and listen,” regardless of circumstances.

Fallout After TikTok Incident

Osimhen played a key role in Napoli’s 2022–23 Serie A title win under coach Luciano Spalletti, finishing as the league’s top scorer.

However, relations reportedly deteriorated the following season.

In September 2023, Napoli posted a TikTok video mocking Osimhen after he missed a penalty against Bologna. The striker described the incident as a turning point.

“After Napoli posted that video on TikTok, something broke. Anyone can miss a penalty, and anyone can be mocked for it. Napoli did it only to me, and with certain kinds of insinuations as well. I was the victim of racist insults, and I made my decision. I wanted to leave.”

Osimhen said no public apology was issued and dismissed rumours of disciplinary issues as “lies.”

Although he signed a contract extension in December 2023, he revealed there was a gentleman’s agreement allowing him to leave the following summer — an understanding he believes was not honoured.

“They tried to send me anywhere to play, but they treated me like a dog. Go here, go there, do this, do that. I worked so hard to build my career, and I couldn’t accept that kind of treatment. I’m not a puppet.”

Conte’s Attempt to Keep Him

Osimhen also disclosed that Napoli’s new coach, Antonio Conte, wanted him to stay at the club.

“As soon as he arrived, Conte called me into his office and said he was aware of the situation but that, despite everything, he wanted me to stay. I said I would have liked to work with him, but I had already made my decision.”

A Fresh Start in Istanbul

Now in his second season at Galatasaray, Osimhen says he has rediscovered happiness in Istanbul.

“I found a club and a city that I love. As soon as you arrive in Istanbul, you understand why anyone who has played here has fallen in love with the team and the people. I had never experienced anything like it.”

Osimhen is set to face familiar Italian opposition as Galatasaray take on Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off.