Former Inter defender Francesco ‘Ciccio’ Colonnese has reminisced about playing alongside Taribo West at Inter as part of an interview with Turin based newspaper Tuttosport today.
Both players joined the Nerazzurri in the Summer of 1997 and would spend two and a half years as teammates before West crossed the city divide and joined Inter’s city rivals AC Milan in the Winter transfer window of the 1999/2000 season.
Colonnese, who made a total of 80 appearances across all competitions for Inter, firstly spoke on what he remembers of West as a player.
“He was always focused on the pitch and was very strong physically. He was a tough defender.”
He then spoke about what West, who, like Colonnese was part of Inter’s 1997/98 UEFA Cup winning side, was like as a person.
“He was nice, he joked in the locker room and he would invite us to the church he founded in Milan. We had a great relationship.”
Upon retiring West has devoted himself to religion and become a pastor and Colonnese has admitted that he is not surprised by the career path his former teammate has taken.
“I am not surprised that he continued on his journey of faith. He was a devoted and generous boy. With his kindness I was sure he would continue on that path.”
In conclusion he spoke on what his best memory of the former Nigerian national team defender was.
“The best memory I have of him is the goal he scored in the UEFA Cup against Schalke. He scored a header from a corner in extra time.”