Nigerian football icon Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha has dismissed direct comparisons with Brazilian maestro Ronaldinho, acknowledging the former Barcelona star as the most gifted teammate he ever shared the pitch with.

Jay Jay Okocha

The legendary playmaker, known for his mesmerizing skills during his time with Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton Wanderers, opened up about the unique bond he shared with Ronaldinho during their time together in France.

Okocha’s remarks came in response to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s recent comments, where the Spaniard struggled to pick between the two flair players when asked who possessed greater technical ability.

Speaking candidly on Clutch 9, Okocha stated: “As the self-proclaimed ‘Chief Flair Officer,’ I won’t claim superiority over Ronaldinho. He was a once-in-a-generation talent—a true artist with the ball at his feet. From the moment he arrived at PSG, his brilliance was undeniable.”

He added: “Our connection was natural because we both grew up playing street football, where creativity and joy defined the game. While our styles resonated, comparisons are unfair—he achieved greater heights, but we both left our mark.”