Former Super Eagles captain, Jay Jay Okocha, has shared insights into his relationship with Brazilian football icon, Ronaldinho during their time at PSG.
Okocha also disclosed that his departure from the club was largely due to conflicts with then-manager, Luis Fernandez.
Fernandez assumed the role of PSG manager in December 2000, succeeding Philippe Bergeroo. He was in charge during Okocha’s final two seasons in Paris.
Okocha and his Brazilian colleague, Ronaldinho, were known to have a notably strained relationship with Fernandez.
The manager was recognised for his inflexible and strict management style, which often conflicted with the expressive, joyful and flamboyant playing styles of his playmakers.
Okocha mentioned on the Obi One Podcast that his continuous issues with Fernandez were the main factor behind his decision to leave PSG for Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 2002.
He remarked that the manager often reprimanded them for smiling or laughing in the dressing room.
Okocha said, “They found it difficult to play us on the same side. Imagine us at our peak. You know, it was incredible. I was looking forward to every training session just to watch him, and he watched me play as well.
“It was more like, okay, ‘What have you got? What have you got?’ So it was fun.”
Asked if they ever stole each other’s tricks, Jay Jay said, “Well, it wasn’t like we were trying to copy each other, you know. We were more like admiring what each other could offer. Yeah, so I leave it for you. Look, this is me. This is you.
“But yeah, I mean, I’m happy that later on he could say that he got inspired by me and also by the way I took him because he was young when he came and all that. So, but there was no competition. I was just admiring the talent that he had.
“And I mean, he was a great person as well because he was always smiling. And we had a lot of issues with Fernandez, and I couldn’t understand why. And, to be honest, that was why I left.”