Okocha Won't Be Influenced By Cup Win

Last updated : 25 February 2004 By Mark Heys
Empics (c)
Jay-Jay Okocha has said that the result of Sunday's League Cup Final against Middlesbrough will not have a bearing on whether or not he pledges his future to Bolton Wanderers.


The 30-year old Nigerian international is out of contract in the summer and talks are underway to secure the former Paris Saint Germain player onto a longer deal to keep him at the Reebok Stadium, possibly as the last club of his career. Clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Blackburn Rovers and more recently Celtic have been linked with a bosman move for the player who says that Europe will not be a swaying factor in his future decision.

“It has nothing to do with my decision,If I am going to stay here it won’t be because of the possibility of playing in Europe. I’ve been here for the past two seasons and we’ve not played in Europe and I’m still happy here. Yes, it will be a plus if we achieve it but it won’t have anything to do with my decision.”

The Wanderers captain had also told reporters at a press conference yesterday afternoon that should he commit to Bolton then it will probably be the last club of his career.

“If I am going to stay here I will know that I’m not planning to move. I might as well end my professional career here. I think I have to put that into consideration.

Okocha says that he will have to talk about his future plans with his family but states that apart from the weather he and his family are enjoying life in the area and are quite settled.

“It is something I really have to think about. My family must play a role as well. It’s not just about football it’s about making the right decision for my family as well. We are having a great time here and have settled in quite good. We have nothing to complain about except the weather but we are used to it now. We’re quite happy.”