Okocha's skill enraptured Bolton fans

The 29-year-old Nigerian midfielder, with three successive World Cups under his belt, was the charismatic character in the second half of Bolton's league campaign, after shaking off a rather inauspicious start with the Lancashire club.

But a new season beckons and Okocha admits that he is keen for his club to do a lot better.

"I think I still belong to Bolton but without any doubt I am ambitious.

"I still want to achieve something in the few years I have left in football."

Okocha has been overwhelmed by the passion of Bolton's supporters and the bond he has struck with manager Sam Allardyce.

"I am very impressed with the club and the manager. They are ambitious and Sam is a nice man.

"I made the decision to come to England and join Bolton because I felt it would help me stay focused on my game.

Okocha admits that it took him a while to get used to the fast-paced action of English football.

"It is very physical and does sap a lot of your energy - but that's what makes it special.

I still want to achieve something Jay-Jay Okocha

"It is quite different from playing in France or Germany because they like to take the tempo out of the game and slow it down a bit."

Okocha's romance with European football began as a 17 year old.

Leaving Nigerian league team Rangers International of Enugu, he travelled to Germany to visit Binebi Numa, a friend who played football in Neunkirchen.

Accompanying Numa to the club, Okocha was allowed to participate in a training session and his skills caught the eye of the trainer, who persuaded him to sign for the team.

From Neunkirchen he went to Saarbrucken and first division side Eintracht Frankfurt in December 1992.

Okocha's sublime skill brought him to prominence in the Bundesliga but a fall-out with coach Jupp Heynckes compelled him to depart for Turkey's Fenerbahce in 1996.

Despite attaining celebrity status in Turkey, Okocha was itching for a new challenge and made a $17 million move to Paris St Germain in 1998, making him the most expensive African player ever.

Although he did not fulfill his dreams of European glory with the Parisian club, the Nigerian saw out his four-year contract and earned a free transfer to English football.

Okocha admitted that Bolton's poor form during the past season was a cause for worry but he enjoyed the role he played in bailing the club out of trouble.

"Part of my job is to score and I like taking major responsibility in important games.

"It is more interesting than having nothing to play for," he said.