Jay-Jay Okocha opens up about his relationship with Ronaldinho and reveals the reasons for his departure from PSG.

The former captain of the Super Eagles, Jay-Jay Okocha, revisited his time in Paris and his relationship with Ronaldinho. The former Nigerian playmaker also explained that his ongoing disagreements with Luis Fernandez heavily influenced his decision to leave PSG in 2002. Arriving at Paris Saint-Germain in 1998, Jay-Jay Okocha shared a locker room with Ronaldinho during the early months of the Brazilian’s European career. The two players, known for their creativity and flair, quickly formed a special bond.

In the podcast Obi One, Okocha enthusiastically shared stories of the training sessions he had with Ronaldinho. The former Nigerian international states that he found just as much joy in watching the Brazilian as in playing alongside him. “ They had a hard time facing us. Just imagine us at our peak! It was incredible. I looked forward to every training session, just to watch him play, and he watched me play too ,” he recounted. Rather than trying to outdo each other, the two men appreciated each other’s talents. Okocha emphasized that it was not about rivalry, let alone imitation. “ We weren’t trying to copy each other. We admired what the other could bring ,” he explained, before highlighting the role he played for a young Ronaldinho upon his arrival in Paris.

Disagreements with Fernandez

While the connection between the two artists was excellent, their relationship with Luis Fernandez was significantly more complicated. Appointed PSG coach in December 2000, replacing Philippe Bergeroo, the French manager oversaw Okocha during the last two seasons of his time in the capital. According to the Nigerian, Fernandez’s particularly demanding management style clashed with the personalities of both players. Okocha recalls complaints directed at the duo whenever they were seen smiling or joking in the locker room.

These tensions ultimately hastened his departure. In the summer of 2002, after four seasons at PSG, Okocha left France to join Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League. “ We had a lot of problems with Fernandez, and I didn’t understand why. Honestly, that’s why I left ,” he stated.

A Lasting Memory of Ronaldinho

Despite this complicated context, Okocha maintains a deep admiration for Ronaldinho. The Nigerian believes he simply accompanied the young Brazilian in his beginnings, never seeking to compete with him. “ He always had a smile on his face. There was no competition. I simply admired his talent ,” he confided.

Years later, Ronaldinho established himself as one of the most spectacular players of his generation, notably winning the Ballon d’Or in 2005. A trajectory that his former Parisian teammate had already glimpsed during their shared years at PSG.