Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, a former captain of the Super Eagles, has discussed why he chose not to play for elite clubs in Europe throughout his playing career.
The larger teams didn’t give Okocha substantial contracts, he claimed in an interview with Arise TV. Additionally, he acknowledged that his selection of clubs might have prevented him from winning the African Footballer of the Year award.
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Okocha finished third in 2003 and 2004 and was awarded the African Footballer of the Year’s runner-up in 1998. Before retiring at the age of 34 in 2008, he played for Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers, Qatar SC, and Hull City.
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.”
