Jussi Jääskeläinen

Football player infobox
playername = Jussi Jääskeläinen


fullname = Jussi Albert Jääskeläinen
height = height|m=1.91
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1975|4|19
cityofbirth = Mikkeli
countryofbirth = Finland
currentclub = Bolton Wanderers
clubnumber = 22
position = Goalkeeper
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 1992–1995
1996–1997
1997–
clubs = MP
VPS
Bolton Wanderers
caps(goals) = 064 (0)
054 (0)
351 (0)
nationalyears = 1998–
nationalteam = Finland
nationalcaps(goals) = 044 (0)
pcupdate = 14:18, 5 October 2008 (UTC)
ntupdate = 11:51, 11 September 2008

Jussi Albert Jääskeläinen (born April 19 1975 in Mikkeli, Southern Savonia) is a Finnish football goalkeeper who currently plays for Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League.

Jääskeläinen made his Veikkausliiga debut in Finland for MP Mikkeli in 1992, and became the club's first choice goalkeeper in 1994. In 1996 he moved to VPS Vaasa where he spent two seasons. Jääskeläinen was bought by Bolton of the then First Division in 1997. He soon made himself the number one between the sticks, though a cruciate ligament injury ruled him out for much of Bolton's 2000–2001 promotion season. The following season was voted the best goalkeeper in the Premiership by sponsors Barclaycard.

Jääskeläinen made his debut for Finland on March 25, 1998 against Malta. He was Finland's second choice behind Antti Niemi for years, but after Niemi retired from international football in 2005, Jääskeläinen finally became the Finnish number one.

His 300th appearance came against Liverpool on January 1, 2007.

On May 13, Jääskeläinen was named BWFC "Player Of The Year Award" and also "Players' Player Of The Year Award" after helping Bolton secure a UEFA Cup spot for only the second time in their history. [ [http://www.bwfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,1004~1024693,00.html Jussi Handed Top Award] - BWFC Official Site]

Despite much speculation linking him with a move away from Bolton when his contract expired following the 2007-08 season, Jaaskelainen agreed a new four-year contract on June 11, [cite news
title = Jussi agrees Bolton deal
url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11672_3676647,00.html
publisher = Sky Sports
date = 2008-06-11
accessdate = 2008-06-11] which he then signed on July 9. [cite news
title = Bolton duo sign new deals
url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11672_3798742,00.html
publisher = Sky Sports
date = 2008-07-09
accessdate = 2008-07-09]

References

External links

*FIFA player|159400
* [http://www.burndenaces.co.uk/players/profile.php?id=35 Bolton Wanderers Profile] at [http://www.burndenaces.co.uk/ Burnden Aces]
*soccerbase|id=13242|name=Jussi Jääskeläinen