Nigerian Legend Jay Jay Okocha Reveals What It Means Playing Alongside Ronaldinho, Anelka and Pochettino

• Jay Jay Okocha became a household name during his time in France following his exploits with Paris Saint-Germain
• The former Nigerian international has recounted his experience at the club and described what playing with Ronaldinho means
• The master dribbler disclosed that it was difficult for Fenerbahce to release him at that time, but moving to PSG was worth it

Nigerian legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha has recounted his experience during his time at French Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain.

The former Super Eagles star had just signed a fresh three-year contract with Turkish club Fenerbahce before he was poached to move to Paris.

The 48-year-old, in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, stated that the French club changed his life and also raised the bar for his career.

During the unveiling of So Klin as PSG’s official Regional Partner in Lagos, Okocha said as per PM News:

Meet the top 4 African stars who played for Eintracht Frankfurt

Football

“While I was at PSG, I played alongside great players like Ronaldinho de Gucho, Nicolas Anelka and the present manager, Mauricio Pochettino, among others.

“PSG is a club that really touched my life and raised the bar for me. In 1998, I was approached to join PSG and I can say that my former club Fernabache made it difficult to leave.

“The club made it difficult because I just renewed my contract with them for three years. So, they didn’t want to release me to PSG.

“For me, I see the contract as a lifetime opportunity and PSG as one of the best clubs in the world. So, I was interested and I had to leave for PSG even before the negotiations ended.”

The former Bolton Wanderers captain also stated that his debut goal for PSG, which he scored against Bordeaux, remains his most memorable goal for the French club.

Manchester United players' cars in 2024: Who has the coolest car collection?

Football

He added:

“I can remember joining PSG without pre-season training and I did not immediately play until the fourth match.

“I was on the bench against Bordeaux and we are losing by 0-1, five minutes to the end of the match, the coach, Alain Giresse, called me to play and I scored a fantastic goal.”

Taribo reveals why Nigeria crashed out of France ‘98 World Cup

Meanwhile, Sports Brief earlier reported that legendary Nigeria defender Taribo West has blamed hotel romps for the reason behind their 1998 World Cup defeat against Denmark.

The Super Eagles had upset the odds to top their group with six points from three games ahead of Spain, Bulgaria, and Paraguay.

The three-time African champions were paired against group C runners-up Denmark in the round of 16.