Jay Jay Okocha: Nigerian Legend Shares What Lionel Messi Told Him During Their First Meeting
- Jay Jay Okocha has stated that the legendary Lionel Messi recognised him and praised his time playing alongside Ronaldinho at PSG
- The former Nigeria international joined the French Ligue 1 outfit for £14 million in 1998 before Ronaldinho arrived in 2001
- He lauded Messi for his humility, recalling specific details of his games, before the pair requested a mutual photo
Nigerian football icon Austin "Jay Jay" Okocha has detailed his first encounter with Argentine football legend and multiple Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.
Okocha, who joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 1998 for a then-African record transfer fee of £14 million from Fenerbahce, had established himself with the French outfit when a young Ronaldinho arrived in 2001.
Ronaldinho's transfer from Gremio to PSG was controversial, with no fee paid to the Brazilian club due to a pre-contract agreement.
Source: Getty Images
During their time together at PSG, Okocha was said to have mentored Ronaldinho, as the mercurial midfielder helped him adapt to European football and influenced his flair-filled style.
Recalling the first time he met Messi, Okocha disclosed that the Argentine already knew him. Okocha said, as he shared the Facebook post on his Instagram story:
"I was shocked because he recognised me. He called me by my name: 'Hello Jay!' I said: 'Hello Messi,' then I turned to Suarez, who was with him to translate, and asked him: 'I didn't play in his generation, how does he remember me?.
"Messi answered me himself before translating: 'I know you well. I watched you play with Ronaldinho in Paris. You were a real star, and Ronaldinho himself loved you and talked about you in Barcelona!'
"Then I said to Suarez: 'Take a picture of me with the legend!' Messi replied: 'Take a picture of me with the legend on your phone too!'
"He spoke admiringly of the Nigerian national team and told me that you have a beautiful team and play great football!
"He mentioned precise details about his old matches with Ronaldinho. He said to me: 'I will send this picture to Ronaldinho.'
"At that moment, I understood why he is the greatest. True greatness lies in humility and an unforgettable memory.
"Fellow players! After this situation, anyone who doubts Messi's greatness should talk to me first!
"This man is different from all the stars! And do you know something? Ronaldinho sent me the photo and said, ‘Messi sent me this photo and said, “I met a legend and your former friend.”
Source: Getty Images
Although he did not win the prestigious CAF Player of the Year Award, Okocha remains one of the greatest footballers to ever emerge from Africa.
Many have argued that he is the most skilful player ever, following his trickery, dazzling moves, vision and wonder goals, per Punch.
Okocha recreates iconic Bolton dance
Meanwhile, Okocha and his former Bolton manager, Sam Allardyce, brought back their famous 2003 dance during a charity match in England.
Spectators at the University of Bolton Stadium erupted with joy as the master dribbler, after scoring a penalty, ran straight to the sidelines, pointed at Big Sam, and together they recreated their famous dance.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
