Former Super Eagles World Cup star Taribo West has revealed that a moment of frustration during his time at Inter Milan derailed his potential transfers to Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United and he has urged Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to learn from his mistakes by keeping his head calm.
Taribo’s admonition came amid Osimhen’s social media outburst against erstwhile Super Eagles coach, Finidi George.
The former player, who is now a pastor, recalled an incident that happened in February 1999 during a match against Vicenza. After being substituted, the hard-tackling central defender threw down his jersey in frustration as he walked off the bench. This act of indiscipline haunted his career prospects.
In a radio interview, West disclosed that he flew to England multiple times to meet with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. However, each meeting ended with Wenger reminding him of the infamous jersey-throwing incident in the Serie A game against Vicenza.
West also revealed that Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson had shown interest in signing him. However, Ferguson, too, was wary of West’s character due to the same incident.
“Your character can close your door,” West warned, reflecting on how his actions had lasting repercussions on his career.
Taribo advised the young Osimhen to “calm his head down” and remember that “there is life after football.”
