'I predicted 2–1, but who cares?' - Ex-PSG star Okocha hails Parisians after historic UCL win v Inter

Paris Saint-Germain legend Jay-Jay Okocha has lavished praise on his former club following their emphatic 5–0 win over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday night. The Nigerian icon, who played for PSG from 1998 to 2002, spoke to TNT Sports in the moments following the historic victory.

"It’s amazing,” Okocha said, when asked how it felt to witness the Parisian club lift the coveted trophy for the first time in their history. 

"The way they did it, you know, they made it look so easy. They came with a good game plan and it worked out really well for them, and I think they totally deserve it.”

Okocha admitted he had not anticipated such a dominant win against the Italian giants. 

"I predicted 2–1, but who cares? I mean, I wanted to see them win and they won, which is great for the club—first time in their history—and I think it’s good for football as well.”

The former Super Eagles captain was particularly impressed by PSG’s attacking stars. 

“I think that was the difference,” he noted. ”They used their individual talent for the team. They held the ball very well, they made Inter off a little bit, and it’s down to the ability to do something with the ball."

When asked how he would have fit into such a high-pressing modern front three, Okocha responded with a smile: "Oh well, I have no choice. You know, when you’re around great players, they make you look good."

He added that the players’ commitment was key to the outcome: "The hard work was incredible. But it’s in the mind—you know, if everything is working out well, you don’t mind going the extra mile for the team. And I think that was what they did."

Reflecting on the influence of PSG’s manager, Okocha praised the shift in mentality. 

"He made us realize that football is a team work. It is a team game. No matter how good you are, if you’re not playing for the team, you can’t win anything. And they just justified that.”

Okocha ended the interview by joining the celebrations on the pitch, leaving fans and pundits with the image of a club legend witnessing the fulfillment of a long-held dream.

Wale Adejumo

Photo Credit: psg.fr

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