Club Career
After playing for three different clubs in his country, Finidi arrived at AFC Ajax in 1993, alongside 17-year old compatriot Nwankwo Kanu. His impact with the Amsterdam side was immediate, as he scored four times in 27 games 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.
In 1996, Finidi moved to Spain and signed for Real Betis, where he scored in double digits in nearly every season, with the Andalusians finishing fourth in his first year, which also brought a Copa del Rey final loss against FC Barcelona (2–3 after extra time), where he scored; before joining the club, he was close to moving to Real Madrid, but the deal fell through.
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, managed by George Burley, for £3.1 million. He scored twice in a 3–1 win against Derby County at Portman Road, but underperformed overall, with the club also suffering relegation; he was released from contract in June 2003.
In November 2003, 32-year 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. He retired from the game in the summer.
In mid-November 2010, Finidi returned to Betis as its director of international football. He continued, however, to live in Palma de Mallorca, where he had relocated to after his retirement.
Read more about this topic: Finidi George
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