Okocha's road to Hull paved with God's intentions

The 34-year-old has joined on a free transfer, initially signing a 10-month deal, with the option of a further year.

 "I always ask God if it is his will, and if so, then let it be," Okocha said.

 "Whatever comes out of it I will accept it. That's the message I got and that's why I'm here at Hull.

 "My faith comes before anything. It has also taught me to respect and admire people for what they are and who they are.

 "I pray a lot and it has helped me throughout my whole career to stay calm and focused."

   Okocha rekindles his relationship with Hull manager Phil Brown, who was assistant manager to Sam Allardyce during Okocha's days at Bolton.

 He left Bolton for Qatar, but admits he missed English football.

 "I've not been playing at the highest level in Qatar, but the problem is they don't get any crowds and there's not the same atmosphere," he said.

 "That makes it boring and that's one of the reasons why I decided to come back.

 "People in Nigeria weren't happy that I went to Qatar. They said, 'Why did you go there of all places?'

   "They missed watching me on television but sometimes you have to think about yourself and your future as well."

   Hull is the largest city in Europe never to have had a top-flight football club, but their momentum of late has been upward.

 The media tycoon Paul Duffen took the club over in a 10-million- pound (20-million-dollar) deal in May, and the arrival of Okocha follows the record signing of forward Caleb Folan for 1 million pounds last week.

 "Hull have got ambition and that's what Phil got across to me," Okocha added. "They've got a new chairman and they're looking to the take the club into the Premier League.

 "That's what attracted me here and that's my ambition too. I'm 34 years young, I'm fit and I can still do it. I'm looking forward to proving that."

DPA