Why I didn’t play for big clubs in Europe – Jay Jay Okocha opens up

Former Super Eagles captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, has opened up on why he didn’t play for top clubs during his playing career.

According to him, the bigger teams didn’t offer him lucrative contracts.

Okocha revealed this during an interview with Arise TV.

He also admitted that his choice of clubs may have stopped him from being named the African Footballer of The Year.

Okocha featured for Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain Bolton Wanderers, Qatar SC and Hull City before retiring in 2008 at 34.

He was named the African Footballer of the Year runner-up in 1998 and finished third in 2003 and 2004.

“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.”