Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterWhen Youri Djorkaeff arrived in the Premier League in 2002, he had won just about everything there was to win in football, from the World Cup and European Championship with France, to the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan.Even at the age of 33, logic would have dictated that the midfielder would have joined an established Premier League side, so when he rocked up at relegation-threatened Bolton Wanderers, more than a few eyebrows were raised.But almost a quarter of a century on, the France legend views that move as one of the most rewarding periods of his career.Djorkaeff on his Bolton 'challenge'"It was more than just a challenge it was about trying to achieve a miracle," Djorkaeff tells FourFourTwo about his move to one of the north-west's less fashionable clubs."Bolton were down near the bottom of the Premier League, and I didnt know much about the club. But Sam Allardyce came all the way to Germany for lunch and told me he needed me to help save the team. When someone says that, you take it as a mission the passion in his words convinced me. I was happy to be part of that project." You may like It took me weeks to realise it was serious Diego Forlan on earning his big Manchester United move in 2002 Failing to reach the 1994 World Cup was one of the biggest disappointments in Frances football history. There were even fights in the dressing room Youri Djorkaeff on Frances 1994 failure Ronaldo and I clicked from the very first touch of the ball. I dont want to compare him against Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, but Il Fenomeno was the best Youri Djorkaeffs verdict on three modern-day legends The 1998 World Cup winner was the first of several big names to be wooed by Allardyce, and he admits that the move was something of a gamble."Yes, a little," he continues. "I told Big Sam that in 2001, Id won the Confederations Cup with France. In 2000, the Euros. In 1998, both the World Cup and the UEFA Cup. In 1996, the Cup Winners Cup. This time I wasnt chasing another medal, I wanted to take on the challenge of helping a club that was in real trouble."Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Djorkaeff also admits that he snubbed the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United to join the Trotters."Yes, but for me it was important to play, as I wanted to be at the 2002 World Cup. England had never been a priority in my career. It didnt appeal to me. After living in Italy and Germany though, I opened my mind and was more willing to go there. I arrived at Bolton with 12 games left in the season. Big Sam told me that no matter what, Id play every match, even if I wasnt at my best."Thats not something Gerard Houllier or Sir Alex Ferguson could have promised. I felt it was better to go to Bolton for 12 games because I wouldnt lose my credibility, then I could decide whether to stay or leave. In the end, I chose to extend my stay because I felt really good there." What to read next Exclusive: Ex Liverpool star says he was signed to 'compete' with Steven Gerrard I spoke with Jurgen Klopp, with Sadio Mane, but signing for Liverpool didnt feel right at that point Jeremy Doku on the Premier League move he turned down I was playing tennis with Ruud van Nistelrooy Alex Ferguson started joking to distract him and I ended up winning Diego Forlan recalls his first conversation with the legendary Manchester United boss Did he regret turning down Liverpool and Manchester United? "Not at all. I needed that Bolton experience in my life."After calling the Parc des Princes and the San Siro home, it's also fair to say that Djorkaeff underwent something of a culture shift, admitting that plenty of things surprised him when he arrived at Bolton."A lot of things. Sam Allardyce surprised me, the atmosphere in English stadiums and even the training facilities, if you can call them that. They werent what they are today there were basically two goals and a patch of grass. It all had a bit of an amateur feel, but authentic. I never complained. When I arrived at Bolton, I came with one mission: to save the club. I was eager to meet my new team-mates and be one of the group."There was no red carpet waiting for me, I was there to fight just like everyone else. The most important thing was to lift the mentality. I told the lads, 'Im a World Cup winner, but Im not here to stroll around, Im here to give everything for Bolton.' That message got through."TOPICSBolton WanderersWorld CupJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromDani Gil
