Former Super Eagles star Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha has revealed that he came close to joining German giants Bayern Munich in 1991.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Okocha said Bayern wanted to sign him after he impressed while playing for their youth team at a tournament in Switzerland.
However, the move collapsed because of German age regulations and the club’s reluctance to offer him a written contract. Okocha had turned 18 in August, while the rules required players to turn 18 before July to feature professionally that season.
According to the former midfielder, Bayern offered him a verbal agreement that would have required him to train with the senior team and play for the reserves until he became eligible for a professional contract.
Okocha said he requested a written agreement because he was unwilling to return to Nigeria without any contractual protection in case of injury or other complications, but the club declined.
He subsequently joined third-division side Borussia Neunkirchen at the start of the season. During the winter transfer window, Eintracht Frankfurt offered him a one-year amateur deal followed by a two-year professional contract.
