As the world waits in bated breath for the blockbuster UEFA Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain, Super Eagles legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha has left no one in any doubt as to where his allegiances lie.
Sunday’s final pitches established European royalty Bayern against the nouveau riche arriviste PSG who have qualified for the showpiece for the first time in their history.
Okocha spent a memorable four years at PSG between 1998 and 2002 making 121 appearances and scoring 20 goals after joining for a then African record fee of £14 million on the back of mesmerising performances for Nigeria at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
While he couldn’t lead PSG to the final of Europe’s premier club competition in his time at the Parc des Princes, the 47-year-old who is still remembered with fondness by fans for his bewitching skills, couldn’t be happier at their historic feat.
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Old allegiances die hard and Okocha’s soft spot for PSG was made clear in a video posted on the club’s official Twitter where he congratulated the club for reaching the final and declared his support for their cause ahead of the game.
“Hello, it’s Jay Jay Okocha, I just want to say congratulations to the players of Paris St-Germain and the manager for qualifying for the final of the Champions League.
“I wish you all the best for the final. Allez Paris!”
Okocha’s public show of support for PSG is sure to see many Nigerians follow his lead and pitch their tent with Thomas Tuchel’s team.
A triumph for PSG on Sunday will be the culmination of a dream for their Qatari owners and a confirmation of their status as bonafide European heavyweights.
And should it come to pass, they can look no further than their magical ex-player Austin Jay Jay Okocha whose public support was all the magic needed to land their most sought after prize.
