After scoring the club's historic Scudetto-winning goal against Udinese on Thursday night, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen brushed off speculation that he would leave Naples despite growing interest from Manchester United.
The Nigerian forward, who has been a talisman for Luciano Spalletti's team, broke Samuel Eto'o's previous record of 21 goals in a season by scoring the equalizing goal in the 52nd minute to become the highest-scoring African player to appear in Serie A in a single campaign.
Napoli needed to avoid defeat in order to win the championship for the first time in 33 years after charging to the top of the standings at the start of 2023.
Sandi Lovric scored a well-executed goal for Udinese to start the game, but the 24-year-old again proved to be the difference, much to the joy of the 11,000 fans who traveled to Udine and rushed onto the field in the ensuing excitement.
Along with United, other powerful clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich are said to be closely observing the player's next move due to his quality when leading the line for the title-winning team.
But as he drank in the festive atmosphere, leaving the Campania side was the last thing on his mind. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Osimhen said he 'couldn't wait' to get back to Naples and enjoy the Scudetto with the fans.
"I'm thrilled with this victory,' Osimhen said. 'I'm happy for me, for the team and for the fans."
"I can't wait to come back in Naples to embrace our fans, even though tonight I already felt the warmth of the people. I'm happy for all the Neapolitans."
"I scored the Scudetto goal, it's true, but anyone else could have scored it.
"I feel like a leader and I never give up. Future? Now I want to enjoy this historic moment, this is not the time to think about my future."
The attacker also saved some appreciation for his manager, who hasn't had the best of times since he arrived at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in 2021.
Fans are accused of stealing Spalletti's Fiat Panda at the close of the last campaign and holding it hostage, demanding that he resign.
However, everything is probably forgiven now that he has presided over a season that was previously unthinkable and is the oldest manager to win a Scudetto.
"Spalletti is a great coach, he asks us a lot but he is like a father to all of us," Osimhen continued.
"He always manages to motivate us and he deserves this title."
If United fail to get Harry Kane, Osimhen is viewed as a key attacking target for Erik ten Hag's team.
United may make a move for the Nigerian international during the upcoming transfer window if Spurs chairman Daniel Levy continues to be adamant about not selling to Premier League rivals.
The information that Didier Drogba, Osimhen's mentor and childhood idol, has discouraged him from joining PSG will have helped any English club looking to sign him for the upcoming season.
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