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Jussi Jaaskelainen


Jussi
Personal information
Full name: Jussi Jääskeläinen
Date of birth: April 19, 1975 (age 32)
Place of birth: Mikkeli, Finland
Height: 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
Playing position: Goalkeeper
Club information
Current club: Bolton Wanderers
Number: 22

Jussi Jääskeläinen is a Finnish football goalkeeper who currently plays for Bolton Wanderers in the English Premiership.

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 F.C. on January 1, 2007.

On May 13 2007, Jussi 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.