Super Eagles Legend Okocha Finally Discloses Why He Turned Down Offers To Join Big European Clubs

• Jay-Jay Okocha was a former Super Eagles captain who retired from football in 2008 at the age of 34
• The 49-year-old has now revealed that low pay prevented him from playing for top teams in Europe
• Okocha played for teams including Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bolton Wanderers

Super Eagles legend, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has finally disclosed that wage issues were the main reason he did not play for some big clubs in Europe during his active playing days as a footballer.

Years back, Okocha was one of the finest African midfielders in the game with an excellent style of play - most especially his exceptional ability to dribble.

Many would have expected Okocha to be crowned Africa's top player of the year, but the former Bolton Wanderers captain did not win the award throughout his career.

The 49-year-old was the runner-up in 1998 and finished third in both 2003 and 2004.

A list of the best Nigerian players abroad: Super Eagles’ best footballers

Football

According to the reports by Complete Sports and Daily Post, Okocha explained that choosing the wrong clubs also prevented him from winning the CAF award.

Why Okocha snubbed big clubs

Okocha explained that it was not easy to be an African player with top clubs, because wages were generally low.

“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 reveals why he succeeded

Earlier, Sports Brief reported how former Super Eagles captain, Okocha revealed that leaving Nigeria at an early age helped his career as a footballer flourish.

The biggest World Cup snubs: A list of footballers left out of their countries’ World Cup squad

Football

The legendary midfielder left his home country as a teenager to continue his career in Germany, where he signed for Borussia Neunkirchen at the age of 16.

After two years, he moved to Eintracht Frankfurt and became a Bundesliga legend, and he is famously remembered for his magical goal against Oliver Kahn.