How Okocha highlights proved he made EPL his playground
An incredible compilation of Jay-Jay Okocha’s time at Bolton Wanderers shows exactly how he had the entire Premier League on strings.
Okocha arrived at Bolton from Paris Saint-Germain in 2002 and on the face of it, it’s a transfer that nobody would ever believe.An incredible compilation of Jay-Jay Okocha’s time at Bolton Wanderers shows exactly how he had the entire Premier League on strings.
Okocha arrived at Bolton from Paris Saint-Germain in 2002 and on the face of it, it’s a transfer that nobody would ever believe.
Sam Allardyce had kept the Trotters up as a physically robust team and signing a silky midfielder like Okocha seemed out of the question and out of character. Thankfully, it wasn’t.
The Nigerian who was ‘so good they named him twice’ became a cult hero at the Reebok Stadium and wowed fans across the country.
With the ball at his feet, he could pull off all kinds of incredible techniques while also having a wicked shot on him, something clear to see in his free-kicks.
He became captain in 2003 and led Bolton to a League Cup final, which they ultimately lost to Middlesbrough.
An eight placed finish followed as did a venture into the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history.
Okocha left the club for Qatar in 2006 and while he did return to the Premier League with Hull City in 2007, it was never the same as his time in the North West.
Fans have reacted to the video and they’ve paid tribute to a modern legend.
One commented: “If he had been Brazilian he’d go down as one of the best.”
Another added: “Players like Okocha remind you why you love the game. Not many today inspire the same kind of awe.”
A third stated: I knew he was good, but I never knew he was that good. Never really saw him play much. So glad I came across this video.”
While someone put: “Players like him make the beautiful game beautiful.”
Bolton are now in League Two and have sadly been rocked by financial issues in their recent history.
Okocha spoke with FourFourTwo in 2019 and admitted his sadness at the situation.
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He said: “I had a great time at Bolton and I’m still a big fan of the club – they’ve got a special place in my heart.
“It’s a shame where they are now, and with the things that are going on with the club. It is sad, but I can only hope and wish that the club get back to where they are supposed to be. It would be great to see them back in the Premier League one day.”