Unarguably one of the best wingers the national team ever produced, former Super Eagles star Finidi George reveal he was forced out of Ajax by ex Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.
The Nigerian legend was a vital component in the historic Dutch team that won the Champions League title in 1995, including staging an unbeaten run of over 45-games at home and on the continent. But, the Nigerian quickly lost his place after granting an interview at the end of the game.
Finidi and his compatriot, Nwankwo Kanu became the first Nigerians to lift the coveted European trophy.
George, 50, said his manager back then was not pleased with his comments and that led to the signing of Tijani Babangida in 1996.
“Van Gaal told me he was going to buy Tijani Babaginda and make him the first-choice right-winger at Ajax and that I’m free to leave,” Finidi revealed.
“He said this because I made a comment to the press which he did not like. I was asked about my future at Ajax and the only thing I said: ‘Everything is possible in football.’
The legendary winger added: “After that interview, Van Gaal called me into his office and asked why I said that to the press and I told him that everything is truly possible in football, that was when he told me he will buy Babaginda to replace me.
Finidi believes he probably would have ended up playing for Real Madrid had he decided to see out his contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena side.
“If I had known, I wouldn’t have been bothered to leave, I would have just stayed and finished my contract with the club even if I don’t play regularly and move as a free agent to a new club the next season where I would have made more money.
“Real Madrid came for me but they couldn’t meet up Ajax asking price as at that time and that was why I moved to Real Betis.”
Finidi did enjoy more freedom at Betis, but the Spanish side got relegated in 1999/00 having failed to match 1997’s fourth-place finish in subsequent years.
One year spell at Mallorca soon followed, before a brief stint in the Premier League with Ipswich Town, who also suffered relegation.
