Former Super Eagles captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, has revealed that he turned down offers from some top clubs in Europe because of wage issues.
Okocha, made this known in an interview with Arise TV, where he also admitted that his choice of clubs may have stopped him from being named the African Footballer of The Year.
Recall that he was named the African Footballer of the Year runner-up in 1998 and finished third in 2003 and 2004.
“It was not easy for an African player to play for top clubs because they don’t pay high wages.
“When they offer you a contract, the money is small because they see it as doing you a favour.
“That is why I went for clubs that are ready to pay me higher. I had to turn down some offers from big clubs because of wage issues. But things have changed now, as Africans and Nigerians get bigger contracts overseas.”
Okocha featured for Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain Bolton Wanderers, Qatar SC and Hull City before retiring in 2008 at 34.
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COMMENTS
He was so bitter that he couldn’t finish his career on a higher note. Even if tge wages offered him was meagre, he should have accepted it, proved himself that he worths every penny. Why did he choose Bolton over those bigger clubs? He should just admit that he underachieved and could have achieved more in football if he had making a right decision. Let be honest, Okocha is jealous of Osimehen and other African players who have made substantial amounts from football. There is no justification for his bittetness. He was wrongly advised. How he wished the hand of time was turned and rescind his decisions.
Things were different at that time. Many Africans loved ball jogglers and dribblers of the ball like JJ, but top European clubs want good team players, great passers and prolific scorers. JJ, with due respect, was more of an entertainer on the field of play. It was good he chose money at the time. At least, he has sth to fall back on after retirement.
Let jay jay spare us this unsolicited sermon please, whatever he had done in the course of his career, good or bad should remain in his diary, he should not bore us with his career shortcomings or would have been, he played and he is retired now, case closed, he chose monetary gain’s over sporting excellence, so good guy, allow us watch this enterprising generation’s of focused footballer’s in peace.
I won’t blame jj for that. Money first and other things follows in football. He was well known during his time and up till now. Glory be to God. I am so proud of you Okocha. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
Okoch remmains the best football entertainer with reasons till date in the world. He is an evergreen legend whose achievements are incomparable to his peers. Ire o
Okocha played for big clubs.