Victor Osimhen of the Super Eagles reveals it was difficult for him to turn down an offer in Saudi Arabia.
After a title-winning season with Napoli, the striker was on the radar of Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in the summer.
The club launched a massive 200 million euro bid for the Nigerian, with numerous stories stating he had even signed a deal with Al-Hilal.
However, months after the unsuccessful bid, Osimhen has broken his silence on the “crazy” move.
It was tough for him to turn down the tantalizing offer.
“I have to be honest, I never thought about leaving last summer because Napoli wanted to keep me,” Osimhen said on the ‘Obi One Podcast’ with former Nigerian captain Mikel Obi.
“But when the offer came from Saudi Arabia, a huge offer, it was hard to refuse. I spoke to Napoli and decided to stay.”
While Al-Hilal wanted the Nigerian’s signature, the strike did not regret turning down the offer.
“It was crazy. The more I said no, the more they increased the financial offer. It would have changed my life; they never gave up. But I said, no guys, I’m staying. No regrets,” he said.
If he had moved to Saudi Arabia, he would have joined the expanding list of top footballers who have relocated to the Middle East. Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo, his compatriots, have both played in the Saudi league.
However, despite interest from prominent European clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United, Osimhen insists he is now focused on his club career at Napoli.
