It’s tough being a footballer. Apart from the knock they receive on the field of play, the injured tendon, broken bones and hard tackling they go through, all in attempt to outdo one another, life as a footballer can’t just be an easy one.
Even the fear of untimely retirement, adjusting to life off the field is as difficult as trying to break through a wall of defence. If you doubt, then ask Finidi George, the former Super Eagles winger often referred to as Finito.
Once described as the best right winger in the world, Finidi George moved to Europe from Sharks of Port Harcourt in 1993, where he earned plaudits for his impressive performances. He was so good that his No. 7 jersey became synonymous with grace and elegance as he ran past defenders, delivering passes that seemed to simplify the work of his strikers.
He played at the highest level, featured at the 1994 World Cup and even had a goal to his credit. The 41-year-old retired from playing in 2004 after a trophy-laden 15-year career, which included winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and three league titles and the 1995 Champions League with Dutch side Ajax.
On retirement from football, however, Finito remained behind in Spain, a depressed man. He had to make do with walking the beaches in Mallorca trying to adjust to life after football. It was tough. At 41-year old, it was Finidi difficult adjusting to life afresh.
“I spent three years on the Mallorcan beaches in the sun after my retirement from football in 2004. I had to get rid of the tension and the stress of life,” he was reported to have complained.
However, when all seems to be over for the former Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt midfielder, help came his way and has now found his way back to his first love. Finidi is now with Club PEC Zwolle on internship, as part of his coaching course.
Born April 15, 1971, in Port Harcourt, made name for himself at Ajax in the Netherlands; being a leading figure in a team that won eight major titles, including the 1994–95 UEFA Champions League – he played several years in Spain with Real Betis, also having a brief spell in England before retiring.
He was an important member of the Nigerian team during the 1990s, appearing in two World Cups.
After playing for three different clubs in his country, Finidi arrived at AFC Ajax in 1993, alongside compatriot Nwankwo Kanu. His impact with the Amsterdam side was immediate as he scored four goals in 27 matches to help it win the Eredivisie title, which was also achieved in the following two seasons. Additionally, as a starter, he appeared in consecutive UEFA Champions League finals, winning the 1994–95 edition against A.C. Milan.
At Betis, he was a big hit. But after Betis’ 2000 top flight relegation, Finidi stayed one more year in Spain with RCD Mallorca, after which he joined Premier League side Ipswich Town for £3.1 million.
He scored twice in a 3–1 win against Derby County at Portman Road, but under performed overall, with the club also suffering relegation, he was released from contract in June 2003.
In November 2003, 32-year-old Finidi underwent a trial at former club Mallorca, following which he signed with the Balearic Islands team, helping it finally finish in 11th position after constantly battling relegation and retired later.
In mid-November 2010, Finidi returned to Betis as its director of international football. Not satisfied with his role as a behind the scene staff, he applied for a coaching job in the Netherlands.
Now, his fans are happy again, while they are celebrating the return of Nigeria’s fastest winger ever, the question being asked is, will he be as successful on the bench as he was on the pitch?
Well, only time will tell.
PIUS ANAKALI
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