Okocha To Go Down Under

By Mark Heys
June 9 2007

Former Bolton Wanderers and Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha has revealed that he has held talks with Sydney FC about a move to the Hyundai A-League in Australia ahead of next season.

The skilfull Nigerian ended his four year spell with Bolton last summer and went on to play in the Middle East for Qatar Sports Club, helping them avoid relegation in his first year there.

However, despite interest from Down Under, he has stated he could stay in Qatar but has as yet not heard anything about his long term future in the Eastern region.

Okocha told the BBC that he has no problem in adapting to a new environment having already played in five different countries during his fifteen year playing career,

"I am in talks with Australian club FC Sydney and I might moving there soon. I have no problem with moving to Australia, I have played in Germany, France, Turkey and England before and have shown that I can adopt quickly to new environments.

"But, I prefer to wait until I talk to Qatar SC officials as I am enjoying my life here and I would really like to extend my contract if they will give me a new offer," said the 33-year old.

Fans favourite Okocha made 124 appearances for Bolton and scored 14 goals between 2002 and 2006. He helped the club survive in the Premiership in the 2002-2003 season and his skills where a joy to watch.

A year later he helped the club achieve runner up status in the Carling Cup Final but his last two years at the Reebok Stadium where hampered by injury problems and a dip in form.