Okocha also explained the reason behind his decision to get Turkish citizenship while reliving his glory days with Fenerbahce
By Kehinde Okeowo
Pundit and former Super Eagles star, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, has disclosed why he adopted the name, “Muhammed Yavuz” while playing for Fenerbahce in Turkey.
He also spoke about the reason behind his decision to get Turkish citizenship while reliving his glory days with the Turkish giants.
Okocha made the revelations during an interview with Hurriyet, where he claimed a member of Fenerbahce’s coaching staff was the inspiration behind his adoption of the Turkish name.
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The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder represented Fenerbahce for two seasons from 1996 to 1998 after joining the Turkish outfit from German club Frankfurt in a €1 million deal.
Speaking during the interview Okocha said: “I spent two years in Turkey and it was a really good time for me. People loved me very much. Our fans were amazing.
“As for this kind of offer, I received Turkish citizenship without thinking. I didn’t want to change my religion, but I got this name because I knew that Muslims loved the name, Muhammad.”
He went on to say he named himself Muhammad because it was an important name to Muslims, adding that he also picked the name Yavuz to honour his facility manager.
“I accepted this name because it’s very sacred and very important for Muslims. Our facility manager was Yavuz. He was very sympathetic, he would make us laugh a lot.
“I asked him and put my lineage Yavuz. So my name was Muhammed Yavuz.” he further said.
Okocha eventually joined French club, Paris Saint Germain (PSG) from Fenerbahce and also played for English club, Bolton Wanderers during his professional career.
