Former England international Danny Mills has suggested that Nigerian legend Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha never played for Premier League giants Arsenal or Manchester United because his flamboyant style was considered too unconventional for their systems.
Okocha, renowned for his dazzling skills and flair, built his reputation at Eintracht Frankfurt and Fenerbahce before sealing a move to Paris Saint-Germain in 1998. He eventually arrived in England with Bolton Wanderers, where he became a cult hero for his artistry and leadership.
Despite his brilliance, the midfield magician never featured for one of the league’s biggest clubs, something Mills believes was down to his free-spirited approach.
Speaking to Complete Sports, Mills said:
“Can you imagine if he’d been in an Arsenal or at Man United of that time, rather than Bolton? He could have been even better because of the quality of players around him.
“How he wasn’t at one of those clubs, I’m not quite sure. Maybe the fact that he was so maverick and such an individual – maybe some of the top clubs looked at that and thought, ‘how do we accommodate him into a team’?”
Mills was quick to add his admiration, describing Okocha as “absolutely sensational.”
Okocha remains one of the most celebrated African footballers in history, remembered not only for his impact at Bolton but also for his starring role with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, including an Olympic gold medal in 1996.
