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Why did Super Eagles legend Jay Jay Okocha not play for the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United?
Super Eagles legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha has opened up about his decision to turn down offers from top European clubs during his playing days.
In an interview with Arise TV, Okocha revealed that the contracts offered by these big clubs just weren't lucrative enough.
"It was not easy for an African player to play for top clubs because they don’t pay high wages," Okocha explained.
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"When they offer you a contract, the money is small because they see it as doing you a favour."
Okocha, known for his dazzling skills on the pitch, chose instead to play for clubs that recognized his worth and were willing to pay him accordingly.
His career took him to Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers, Qatar SC, and Hull City before he retired in 2008.
"I had to turn down some offers from big clubs because of wage issues," Okocha said. "But things have changed now, as Africans and Nigerians get bigger contracts overseas."
Okocha's decision to prioritize fair pay was a bold move, especially considering the challenges African players faced in the European market at the time.
Today, he's remembered as one of Nigeria's greatest football talents, with 73 caps and 14 goals for the Super Eagles.
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