Former Nigeria captain Augustine "Jay-Jay" Okocha has revisited his time playing alongside Ronaldinho at Paris Saint-Germain, describing their partnership as a showcase of skill that left opponents without the ball.
Okocha made the comments during a recent interview on the podcast The Final Third, clips of which were shared on social media this week. Responding to a question about what it was like to share a team with the Brazilian, Okocha said:
"Ronaldinho and I on the same team? Nobody gets the ball." He explained that playing on the same side was difficult for opponents, especially when both were at their peak. He said training was something he looked forward to because they were constantly challenging each other with tricks, asking "what have you got?" while pushing and enjoying themselves.
Okocha and Ronaldinho were teammates at PSG during the 2001-2002 season. Okocha had joined the French club in 1998 after the World Cup and later captained the side. Ronaldinho arrived in 2001 from Gremio as a 21-year-old. The pair formed an attacking midfield partnership before Okocha left for Bolton Wanderers in 2002 and Ronaldinho moved to Barcelona a year later. Okocha said the relationship was mutually supportive, with each watching and learning from the other.
The former Super Eagles playmaker also addressed Ronaldinho's later statement that Okocha was an inspiration. Okocha said that recognition was massive, noting that Ronaldinho went on to become the best player in the world, winning the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice and the Ballon d'Or in 2005.