Super Eagles legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha said he did not play for bigger teams during his playing career because they did not offer him lucrative contracts, News About Nigeria reports.
The former Nigerian star who disclosed this in an interview with Arise TV, also admitted that his choice of clubs may have also stopped him from being named the African Footballer of The Year on different occasions.
“It was not easy for an African player to play for top clubs because they don’t pay high wages,” Okocha said, noting that “when they offer you a contract, the money is small because they see it as doing you a favour.”
The former Paris Saint-Germain player also said that this informed his decision to settle with perceived small clubs that would offer him higher pay.
“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.”
Before his retirement in 2008, Jay-Jay Okocha had made his mark in German clubs which include Frankfurt, Fenerbahce and Paris Saint-Germain, before moving over to the English Premier League where he played for Bolton Wanderers and Hull City. He also had a brief stop at Qatar SC, an Arab football club.
Okocha retired at 34 but he will be remembered for his quick foot and skills which could break any defense wall. He was named the African Footballer of the Year runner-up in 1998 and finished third in 2003 and 2004.
