Former Super Eagles World Cup star Finidi George has revealed he had a chance to join Real Madrid when he quit Ajax in 1996.
Ajax lost on penalties to Juventus in the 1995/96 UEFA Champions League final and afterwards coach Louis van Gaal told Finidi he did not have a future in his team.
“The coach told me outrightly I did not have a future in his team,” the former Super Eagles winger told LaLiga Loca Africa
“Real Madrid wanted to sign me, but at that time they did not have the money, so I ended up at Real Betis.”
Finidi spent four seasons at Betis during which time he scored 38 goals in 130 games.
“It was a great honour to have played for Betis in the biggest league in the world,” he said.
“I believe scoring on my debut helped me to settle down quickly.”
He is currently Super Eagles assistant coach and head coach of NPFL side Enyimba.
