Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has delivered a scathing appraisal of Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen, focusing on the player’s on-field behaviour.
In a video circulating on social media, the enigmatic Mourinho shared his thoughts on the Nigerian striker who has been on international duty with Nigeria.
Despite acknowledging their good relationship, Mourinho didn’t hold back in his criticism:
“I don’t have problems with Victor (Osimhen), in fact we have very good relationship but every time I play against him, I speak with him because I don’t like the way he behaves,” Mourinho stated.
“He dives too much, and the last time we played Roma against Napoli, I had this conversation with him.”
Mourinho went on to highlight Osimhen’s status in African football, comparing him to other greats:
“I told him, you are one of the two best African players, it is you and Salah, in the past it was Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, George Weah, you cannot behave like this.”
The Portuguese manager’s primary issue with Osimhen appears to be simulation on the field.
“He dives too much and that is my problem with him,” Mourinho emphasised.
However, he was quick to add that their disagreements are short-lived: “But after 10 minutes we are fine, we have a good relationship.
These comments come at an interesting time in Osimhen’s career. The 25-year-old striker recently made headlines with a surprising loan move to Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig, following a tumultuous transfer saga.
Adding another layer to this story, Mourinho himself has recently joined Galatasaray’s rivals Fenerbahce. This move sets the stage for future clashes between the outspoken manager and the Nigerian striker in Turkey.
As both Mourinho and Osimhen embark on new chapters in their careers in the Turkish Super Lig, football fans will be keenly watching how their relationship evolves, both on and off the pitch.