Wednesday, 20th April, 2011
Read Now >>> Copa del Rey Final Match Preview: Barcelona v Real Madrid
Former Ajax and Liverpool star Jari Litmanen has inked a contract with Finnish giants HJK Helsinki and has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet.
Litmanen is now 40 years old and most recently turned out for hometown club FC Lahti. However, the Black Drones were relegated from Finland’s top flight the Veikkausliiga last season, and Litmanen understandably wished to continue to play in the country’s top tier – hence the switch to HJK Helsinki.
The attacking midfielder is a legendary figure in European and Finnish football, having played for Ajax, Barcelona and Liverpool amongst others, always impressing with his vision and natural talent. And despite being in his twilight years, Litmanen is still capable of moments of magic.
The country’s current champions HJK hope that Litmanen will help them to make progress in Europe and that his experience will rub off on the side’s younger performers.
Former Finland coach Antti Muurinen, who bossed the country between 2000 and 2005 and is now in charge at HJK, was delighted to be able to unveil Litmanen.
"We feel that Litmanen is an excellent addition", said Muurinen, "especially with the future games in Europe in mind. He has experience and is still at a very high level, and the kind of player who last season we lacked in our European games."
HJK will enter European competition in the summer when they take part in the UEFA Champions League joining in the second qualifying round.
Latest Features:
