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Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha reveals what he taught Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho
By Monsurah Olatunji
The Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha has responded to claims saying he taught the former Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho how to play football.
Ronaldinho and Jay Jay Okocha shared the pitch after they performed for PSG, the Nigerian had joined the Parisien from Fenerbahce in 1998 for £14 million, the very best payment for an African player at the time.
Ronaldinho joined Paris Saint Germain in 2001 where he met the Nigerian star Okocha who was one of their best players in the French club side.
Widely regarded as one of the most talented star of his generation and one of Africa’s best players of all time, Okocha who was notorious for entertaining fans with his mesmerizing displays is believed to have tutored Robaldinho.
The Samba icon was one of Brazilian finest soccer entertainers but one myth that continuously circulates as a FAQ in the Nigerian football space is; “Did Okocha teach Ronaldinho any skills?”
The 49-year-old Nigerian dismissed the idea of teaching the Brazilian legend the skills he has, saying he already knew those skills but could have picked one or two things from him.
“When he (Ronaldinho) arrived in Europe, as a 20-year-old at PSG, he struggled to adapt early on with the food, culture, a new city and country. it reminded me of my first time in Europe too,” Okocha told Pulse Sports.
“So, I took my time to guide him, but he was really talented. Maybe he learn one or two things from me but his skills can not be taught. He is naturally talented and well the rest is history.
“Of course, I had a skill set that he didn’t, and definitely, he had skills that I didn’t have. I don’t know if any was greater than the other in that regard.”
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