Chelsea Legend, Gianfranco Zola Criticises Victor Osimhen

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has expressed his disapproval of Victor Osimhen‘s decision to join Galatasaray after his potential move to Chelsea fell through.

Victor Osimhen was reportedly close to joining Chelsea, but the deal did not materialize, leading him to secure a season-long loan move to Galatasaray instead.

Reports claimed that the 25-year-old Nigerian striker decided to settle for the Turkish side after Chelsea decided to pay him far lower than his salary at Napoli.

The Nigeria international was expected to remain at Napoli after the transfer saga since he had a contract with the Italian side until June 30, 2026. Instead, he moved to Turkey on loan.

When asked to compare Osimhen’s move with Paulo Dybala’s decision to remain at Roma after rejecting a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League, Zola told Corriere dello Sport that the decision of the Nigerian was based on money.

He argued that Dybala decided to stay at Roma beyond this summer because the Argentine footballer followed his heart, not his wallet, unlike Osimhen.

While differentiating between Osimhen and Dybala’s transfer saga, the retired Italian footballer said: “One is a beautiful story and the other a little less so.

“Dybala chose with his heart and not with his wallet.

“But I don’t want to judge, everyone is free to make their own choices.”