Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has showered accolades on former Super Eagles captain Jay Jay Okocha, calling him one of the most gifted dribblers he has ever played alongside.
Arteta, who was teammates with Okocha at Ligue 1 powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during the 2001/2002 season, expressed his admiration for the Nigerian icon in a recent interview with the club’s media.
In a video shared on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, through Sports Bible, Arteta was inquired about the most skillful teammates he has had.
Without any hesitation, he mentioned both Brazilian legend Ronaldinho and Nigerian star Jay Jay Okocha. “Ronaldinho or Jay Jay Okocha,” Arteta remarked. “Both are incredibly difficult to choose between.”
The magic that Nigerian legend Okocha displayed on the ball made him a delight to watch, leading many to believe that the now 52-year-old’s innate flair and remarkable dribbling abilities position him as one of the most talented players to emerge from Africa and the world.
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The beloved Okocha, who could manipulate the ball with ease and possessed exceptional vision, was so outstanding that he was honored with a name that was repeated twice, as noted by the Bundesliga.
Their paths intersected during the 2001/02 Ligue 1 season when both were pivotal for PSG. Arteta, then a young midfielder on loan from Barcelona, experienced firsthand the creativity and influence that Okocha contributed to the team.
Their short yet impactful partnership left a significant mark on the future Arsenal manager.
Okocha’s legacy as one of Nigeria’s finest exports and a footballing wizard is firmly etched in the hearts of fans worldwide, and Arteta’s commendation underscores the respect he garners from fellow professionals.
