Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, has revealed that his debut goal, an equaliser against the French side, Bordeaux, was the most memorable during his time at the Ligue 1 giants.
Okocha was signed by PSG from Turkish club Fenerbahce in the summer of 1998 at a record fee of 18 million dollars, making him the most expensive African player at the time.
The 48-year-old, reflecting on his time at PSG, said the transfer to the Parisians had successfully raised his worth as a player, an experience he was grateful for.
“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 Fenerbahce made it difficult to leave,” Okocha told NAN in Lagos.
“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.”
Okocha 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 were 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.
“After the goal against Bordeaux, the club knew that I was ready for the challenge.
“While I was at PSG, I played alongside great players like Ronaldinho de Gucho, Nicolas Anelka and the present manager, Mauricio Pochettino, among others.
“I had a great experience at PSG and that is why till today, I am one of the ambassadors of the club and I feel so fortunate.”
Okocha won the 1997-98 Coupe de France during his time at PSG.
The former Super Eagles captain played a total of 84 games for PSG and scored 12 goals across all competitions.