Former Nigeria international Taribo West has hit out at AC Milan, insisting he was treated unfairly during his time at the San Siro.
West, who started his career as a trainee at Port Harcourt Sharks, joined Milan in 1999 following a two-year spell with cross-town rivals Internazionale.
However, it was an ill-fated stay for the defender, who made just four appearances in the absence of the injured Maldini.
And to this day, West still feels he was not given a fair chance to prove his worth at the Rossoneri, claiming there was no way he could displace Maldini in the starting line-up.
He told SuperSport: "There were three of us, but the coach would pick the Italians even though I was clearly the best.
"In 2000, I played the African Nations Cup with Nigeria and when I returned Maldini was injured.
"I played the games in his place but I did not get very many.
"I was told clearly that nobody could force out Maldini because he was a godfather in the club."
Following Maldini's return from injury, West was consigned to the bench for the remainder of the season and claims he eventually became the target of a smear campaign to force him out of the club.
He added: "Because I had a good relationship with [Inter president Massimo Moratti], I called him to tell him what was going on. He told me that at AC Milan this was a normal thing.
"No one could take the place of Maldini. I was in shock. At the time they told so many lies about me because they wanted me out.
"During the four games I played, I was always the best player on the field, yet my contract was not renewed."
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