'We didn't think we had a chance' - Allardyce reveals the inside story of Okocha's move to Bolton

Legendary veteran manager Sam Allardyce has revealed the inside story of Austin Okocha's move to Bolton Wanderers, admiting that he didn't think the Trotters had a chance of signing legendary Nigeria international in 2002.

Popularly known as 'Big Sam', Allardyce brought Jay-Jay Okocha from Paris Saint-Germain to Bolton two decades ago on a free transfer after his contract expired.

When he arrived at Bolton Wanderers, Okocha instantly became a fan favourite and dazzled the crowd with his mesmerising skills and top-notch playmaking.

Speaking to The Athletic, Allardyce recalls how the Whites never had a "serious chance" of signing Okocha. 

"We gave it a shot, not thinking we had any real chance. But if you don't ask you don't get," Allardyce said to the Athletic.

"We flew out to Paris before the World Cup. We never really got any real response in that meeting, but to our surprise after the World Cup, and after a long conversation, we went back out there and struck a deal in Charles de Gaulle airport.

"The main object was for Jay-Jay to play in the Premier League. Players were coming from all over the world in the early 2000s, because it was clearly the best place to be, the best place to play football and the best place to get paid as well.

"He wanted to broaden his experience in football — and in culture, if you like. He'd experienced the German way, then Turkey, then France then he wanted to come to England."

Okocha was named captain of Bolton in 2003 and under his on-pitch leadership, Bolton reached their first Cup final in nine years, losing to Middlesbrough in the 2004 League Cup final.

The three-time World Cupper went on to make 144 appearances and scored 18 goals during a memorable four-year spell at the club.

The skillful midfielder is now considered one of the best African players to have played in the Premier League.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

Photo Credit : bwfc.co.uk

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