Ronaldinho said Okocha would have received more recognition and had a better career if he moved to Italy or Spain instead of England
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Barcelona and Brazil midfielder, Ronaldinho has insisted that ex-Nigerian international, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha made a mistake when he made a move to Bolton Wanderers in 2002.
Ronaldinho, who played alongside Okocha at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2001 before the Nigerian moved to the English club also claimed he regarded the former Super Eagles player as one of his footballing heroes.
According to quotes from Frank KhalidUK, Ronaldinho believes the Nigerian legend would have received more recognition if he went to Italy, or Spain instead of England.
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Ronaldinho, while speaking about Okocha and some other footballers he admired, said he didn’t like his decision to move to Bolton, saying he was too desperate to play in the Premier League.
He said: “His problem is that he was too keen to move to England.
“I didn’t like the decision, at least in Italy or Spain, there, they allow you to play your skilled football without interfering with your play.
“In La Liga or Serie A, he would definitely get a chance to play for a big team, because they love skilled players over there.
“In England, you stand no chance of playing for a big team if you’re that skilled. They think it’s not necessary.”
Okocha was renowned for his dribbling abilities, especially his skills in the use of step-overs, however, the midfielder failed to clinch the Africa Player of the Year or any top individual award during his playing years.