Former Nigeria star admits regret that Spurs move did not go through

Former Nigerian international Findi George has admitted that he could have joined Tottenham Hotspur in 1998 and expressed his regret at the move not materialising.

George, a pacey winger who was known for his dribbling skills, is one of Nigeria greatest ever players having helped his country win the African Cup of Nations in 1994 and featured in two World Cups.

While the wide man had a solid career in Europe with the likes of Ajax, Real Betis and Mallorca, he only arrived in English football towards the end of his career.

His move to Ipswich Town did not work out as he would have hoped as he failed to hit the expected heights during two seasons at the club which ended with the Tractor Boys’ relegation from the Premier League in 2003.

George admitted that he could have moved to English football during his prime, with Spurs rumoured to have been interested in him after the 1998 World Cup.

He told Tribal Football: “Before I signed for Ipswich, there were rumours of Tottenham wanting to sign me in 1998 after the World Cup in France but that deal did not go through.

“If that had gone through, I would had played in England years before I played for Ipswich.”

George went on to express at his regret at the way things unfolded for him at Ipswich.

He added: At Ipswich, I didn’t play the way I ought to play. I was not fit enough due to injuries and the team dropped.

“It was very unfortunate due to injuries I suffered and I felt I did not have the continuity of playing at my best.

“The team treated me well, the fans showed me great love, but my only regret is that I could not meet the expectations of the fans to remain in the Premiership. The team was relegated.

“I would have loved to stay longer in England but that didn’t work out. Your team gets relegated, everything changes at the club.

“I would have loved to stay between 4 – 6 seasons but that didn’t happen. I can’t fix that. My playing time is over. I’m a coach now.”

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