Jussi Jääskeläinen

Jussi Jääskeläinen is a goalkeeper of West Ham United. He was born on 19 April 1975 in Mikkeli, Finland.

In 1992 Jussi moved to the main team of Mikkelin Palloilijat after having trained in the academy of the club. The footballer was not given the place of a first-choice goalkeeper at once, but only after several months of his professional experience. From 1992 till 1995, the player made 64 appearances for his first squad.

In 1996 Jääskeläinen transferred to Vaasan Palloseura, but performed for the club only during one year. The fact is his amazing display in 54 fixtures drew the attention of English side Bolton Wanderers, which decided to consider his candidacy for the place of a regular keeper.

In 1997 Jussi accepted the offer of the club and penned a long-term contract with it. His spell in Bolton was one of the most productive player’s spells in his career, as Jääskeläinen was the unchallenged owner of the place between the posts and made 474 appearances for the club during 15 years.

In January 2012, English side West Ham secured the Finnish keeper’s services. Jussi is a second-choice goalkeeper of the club, who shares his experience with younger teammates.

From 1998 till 2010, Jääskeläinen was capped 56 times for the Finland national team.