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Okocha expressed that football brought him joy and freedom, and he learned to play it on his own.

Super Eagles legend Jay-Jay Okocha has shared that he learned to play football without any formal instruction.

Okocha’s captivating flair and unique style set him apart in the game, leaving a lasting impression on fans and fellow professionals.

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I played for the love of the game – Okocha

Okocha’s extraordinary abilities originated from his upbringing in Enugu, Nigeria, where football was more than just a game, it was a form of expression.

For Okocha and his peers, football was a source of joy and freedom, stressing that it was an unstructured, playful environment that nurtured his natural talent and creativity, which he later brought to the professional stage.

“I think it was my background, my upbringing, playing for the love of the game as a child. I wasn’t taught how to play football; I went out there and just started playing because I love the game,” Okocha told Sky Sports.

He continued, “It was our only toy, it was where we could express our joy, our freedom without any manager, anybody nagging you, telling you what to do.

“Taking football on later as my profession, you can imagine [how good it was] having your toy and being paid to have it,” he explained.

Okocha’s journey to European football began unexpectedly during a holiday to Germany in 1990. A chance opportunity to train with Borussia Neunkirchen turned into a pioneering spell in German football.

Following successful stints at Fenerbahce and Paris Saint-Germain, Okocha’s career took an unexpected turn, leading him to the northwest of England, where he would leave an indelible mark on the Premier League.