George WEAH

George Weah was successfull in making Milan fans forget Maco Van Basten, which is a not bad visiting card. He was born in Liberia in 1966 and grew up in poverty. He signed his first contract with the Liberian Club ìYoung Survivorsî of Claretown (Serie C), at the age of 15. He started as a goalkeeper but shortafter he became a forward able to score 31 goals in 30 games helping his team to achieve Serie B. After 2 seasons he went to play in Serie A with the Bongrange Company of Bonguine. In 1986 he moved to the best Liberian team called the ìInvincible Elevenî where he eventually became captain and top-scorer. In 1988 he began to play in Cameroons with Tonnerre YoundË and was noticed by Monacoís scouts who immediately realized his potential. He played in Principality of Monaco for 4 years, scoring 47 goals over 102 games. He led his team to win a French Cup and to dispute a Champions League final (1992).

In 1992-93 he was traded to Paris Saint Germain for as many as 10 thousand millions of italian Lira. The first year he won another French Cup before achieving the French Championship the next season. These results allowed him to win his second ìAfrican Golden Footballî. (He won the first one in 1989). In 1994-95 Milan appreciated him during the Champions League and the next seson he went to Italy, ready for new accomplishments. In 1995 another ìGolden Footballî and in 1995-96 the Italian Title.His notoriety became so big to entrust him other important roles, also far from the football field. Weah was involved in several social activities and was nominated UNICEF Ambassador. He especially tried to help his rent-by the war Homecountry. 1997 was not a lucky season. Milan didn't win anything and George was involved in an unpleasant episode with the Portuguese player Jorge Costa, after a Champions League game versus Porto. He was even disqualified for 6 games. However his correctitude and sportsmanship are still beyond dispute. This year he underwent an operation because of hernia and began to play only at the beginning of March.