Okocha also admitted his choice of clubs in Europe might have stopped his being crowned as African Footballer of The Year
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Bolton Wanderers midfielder and ex-Super Eagles captain, Augustine Azuka Okocha, better known as Jay-Jay Okocha, has explained why he was unable to play for a top European side during his playing career.
According to the ex-Nigerian international, the bigger clubs that approached him for deals at the time did not offer him lucrative contracts.
Okocha made this known during a recent interview with Arise TV, where he also admitted his choice of clubs might have hindered his being crowned the African Footballer of The Year.
The 49-year-old midfielder featured for Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers, Qatar SC and Hull City before retiring in 2008 at the age of 34.
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Speaking on why he never laced boots for a top European club, he said: “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, despite his enviable talent, dribbling skills and exploits at several African Cup of Nations, was never crowned as the African Footballer of the Year.
He came close in 1998 when he was named as the runner-up. He also finished in third position on two occasions in 2003 and 2004.
