Super Eagles legend Jay Jay Okocha relived his glory days with Fenerbahce explaining the reasons behind getting a Turkish Citizenship and a unique adopted name
Super Eagles legend Jay Jay Okocha has spoken about taking up Turkish citizenship and adopting a Turkish name while playing for Fenerbahce.
Okocha relives Fenerbahce career
The former Bolton and PSG man explained the reasons behind both decisions, while praising a member of Fenerbahce’s backroom staff as an inspiration behind his adopted Turkish name.
Okocha represented the Turkish giants for two seasons between 1996 and 1998 after joining from German club Frankfurt in a €1 million deal.
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The skilful Nigerian midfielder quickly gained the adulation of the club’s fans thanks to his abundance of tricks and his 30 goals in 62 appearances for the club.
27 years after leaving the club, Okocha spoke about his time in Turkey, and about having to take up Turkish Citizenship while playing for Fenerbahce.
Okocha explains why he opted for the name Mohammed
In an interview with Hurriyet.com, Okocha said, “I spent 2 years in Turkey and it was really good times for me. People loved me very much. Our fans were amazing.
“As for this kind of offer, I received Turkish citizenship without thinking. I did not want to change my religion, but I got this name because I knew that Muslims loved the name Muhammad.
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Further clarifying why he chose to adopt the name Muhammed Yavuz, Okocha said, “I accepted this name because it is very sacred and very important for Muslims. Our facility manager was Yavuz. He was very sympathetic, he would make us laugh a lot.
“I asked him and put my lineage Yavuz. So my name was Muhammed Yavuz.”
Despite his strong ties with Fenerbahce and Turkey, the Nigerian superstar would go on to star for French club Paris Saint-Germain and English club Bolton Wanderers in his storied career after leaving Fener for a then-Turkish transfer record of €16 million to join PSG.
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