Okocha Reveals Bayern Munich Rejected Him In 1991 Over Age
Former Super Eagles captain Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha has revealed that German giants Bayern Munich wanted to sign him in 1991 but were unable to offer him a professional contract because he was below the required age.
Okocha disclosed that Bayern became interested in him after he impressed while playing for their youth team at a tournament in Switzerland.
According to the Nigerian football legend, German regulations at the time prevented players who had not turned 18 before July from signing professional contracts for the season.
Okocha, who turned 18 in August, was therefore forced to wait almost another year before he could secure a professional deal.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Okocha explained that Bayern were only prepared to make a verbal commitment, a situation he was unwilling to accept after travelling from Nigeria.
“I got an offer from Bayern Munich. I went with their youth team to a tournament in Switzerland, and after that, they wanted to sign me,” Okocha recalled.
He said the club told him he would have to wait until he turned 18 before signing a professional contract, while continuing to train with the senior team and play for the reserves.
Okocha, however, asked Bayern to put the agreement in writing because he was concerned about what would happen if he suffered an injury before signing a formal contract.
“I asked them, ‘Can you put it in writing on paper? Because I can’t come all the way from Nigeria to rely on a verbal contract. What if I get injured and you tell me to go home? I’ll have nothing,’” he said.
When Bayern declined to provide a written commitment, Okocha opted to return to Borussia Neunkirchen, a third-division club, where he began the season.
His performances soon attracted the attention of Eintracht Frankfurt, who moved for him during the winter transfer window.
Frankfurt offered Okocha a one-year amateur contract followed by a two-year professional deal, providing the platform for his breakthrough in German football.
The move eventually paved the way for Okocha to become one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers.
He later became famous for his dazzling skills in the Bundesliga, including his unforgettable goal against legendary goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.
Okocha disclosed that Bayern became interested in him after he impressed while playing for their youth team at a tournament in Switzerland.
According to the Nigerian football legend, German regulations at the time prevented players who had not turned 18 before July from signing professional contracts for the season.
Okocha, who turned 18 in August, was therefore forced to wait almost another year before he could secure a professional deal.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Okocha explained that Bayern were only prepared to make a verbal commitment, a situation he was unwilling to accept after travelling from Nigeria.
“I got an offer from Bayern Munich. I went with their youth team to a tournament in Switzerland, and after that, they wanted to sign me,” Okocha recalled.
He said the club told him he would have to wait until he turned 18 before signing a professional contract, while continuing to train with the senior team and play for the reserves.
Okocha, however, asked Bayern to put the agreement in writing because he was concerned about what would happen if he suffered an injury before signing a formal contract.
“I asked them, ‘Can you put it in writing on paper? Because I can’t come all the way from Nigeria to rely on a verbal contract. What if I get injured and you tell me to go home? I’ll have nothing,’” he said.
When Bayern declined to provide a written commitment, Okocha opted to return to Borussia Neunkirchen, a third-division club, where he began the season.
His performances soon attracted the attention of Eintracht Frankfurt, who moved for him during the winter transfer window.
Frankfurt offered Okocha a one-year amateur contract followed by a two-year professional deal, providing the platform for his breakthrough in German football.
The move eventually paved the way for Okocha to become one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers.
He later became famous for his dazzling skills in the Bundesliga, including his unforgettable goal against legendary goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.
