Appiah pays tribute to Okocha

Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has congratulated Nigerian superstar Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha following his official retirement from the international game.

Appiah was personally invited by Okocha to attend his official testimonial game at the Warri Township stadium in Delta State two weeks ago.

But the Fenerbahce player, who is in Switzerland recuperatinig from injury, was unable to travel to Warri on the advise of his doctors.

Appiah revealed that the Nigerian midfielder inspired him and he would have loved to honour Okocha by playing in his testimonial.

''I was very touched to have received a personal invitation from my senior Jay Jay to attend his game in Nigeria," Appiah told his official website.

"Its a shame I am injured as I would have loved to play in this game to mark the end of a great and inspiring career.

''Jay Jay was one of the pacesetters for all of us and I will like to say well done to him and I wish him best of luck in all his future endeavours.

''I remember Jay Jay and Tony Yeboah setting the Bundesliga alight all those years ago and it inspired a lot of youngsters to keep fighting to make it.

''Well done Jay Jay and thanks for all the memories you have given us, as well as all the hardwork you put in to pave the way for some of us.''

Over 20,000 fans paid tribute to former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha on Thursday at his testimonial game.

Okocha, who twice won the BBC African Footballer of the Year award, was retiring after 18 years in football.

Despite torrential rainfall a big crowd witnessed a star-studded game that saw a Super Eagles XI beat a World XI 2-1.

Stars including Nwankwo Kanu, Joseph Yobo, El-Hadji Diouf and Benjani Mwaruwari all played in the game at the Warri Township stadium in Delta State.

Meanwhile, no date has been set by Appiah for his return to action.