Matthäus looks West
Thursday, January 30, 2003
Article summary
Nigerian international defender Taribo West today became Lothar Matthäus's first signing at FK Partizan.
Article body
Nigerian international defender Taribo West today signed an 18-month contract with Yugoslavian champions FK Partizan to become coach Lothar Matthäus' first signing since the legendary German took charge in December.
Free agent
West is the first Nigerian to play for Partizan and joins as a free agent after his contract with German side 1. FC Kaiserslautern was cancelled last April after a series of high-profile bust-ups.
Lofty ambitions
"I'm impressed with Belgrade, Partizan and Yugoslavia," said the 28-year-old. "I played here with my national team in 1998, when we lost 3-0. I want to help Yugoslavian football back to the top in Europe. But for starters I want a national title."
Training in Turkey
West will leave today for Antalya in Turkey where Partizan are in training for the resumption of the domestic season on 16 February. West's former clubs include AC Milan, AJ Auxerre, Internazionale FC and Derby County FC.
