Brazilian legend Antonio Careca praises Victor Osimhen’s impact at Napoli

By Monsurah Olatunji 

Amidst swirling rumors of a potential departure, legendary Brazilian striker Antonio Careca has heaped praise upon Victor Osimhen for his remarkable contributions to Napoli.

Since his arrival in Italian football, Osimhen has left an indelible mark, rewriting records with his goal-scoring prowess. He holds the record for the most goals scored by an African player in a season and has etched his name in history as the highest-scoring African player in Serie A.

The reigning African Player of the Year’s stellar performance, netting 26 goals in 32 league matches, played a pivotal role in Napoli clinching their first title in over three decades.

Despite his immense talent and success, Osimhen’s future at Napoli hangs in the balance, with reports suggesting a release clause of around €130m in his new contract, attracting interest from elite clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Careca’s sentiments echo a deep admiration for Osimhen’s on-field brilliance and his commendable character off it.

Reflecting on Osimhen’s journey, Careca remarked, “He faced challenges initially in Naples, but he blossomed in the following season, earning recognition as the Serie A Best Young Player of the Year.”

Expressing hope for Osimhen’s continued success, Careca added, “I had the pleasure of meeting him; he is a young man of integrity who excelled with Napoli, contributing significantly to their championship victory. Should he indeed depart, Napoli will find a worthy successor to Osimhen’s legacy.”

As speculation swirls around Osimhen’s future, his impact at Napoli remains a testament to his talent and dedication, leaving an indelible mark on the club’s history.