April 2 2001

Riihilahti - Crewe Snub

Recent signing AKI RIIHILAHTI said he turned down an offer from Crewe Alexandra before signing for Crystal Palace.

The Finnish international made his debut for Palace yesterday against the club who were looking to sign him.

After the 1-0 win, RIIHILAHTI admitted that he was close to signing a deal with the Gresty Road club.

The midfielder was influenced by his international team-mates, but he chose a move to Palace because of their ambition.

He said: "Sami Hyypia and Jari Litmanen told me to sign for Crewe, but Mikael Forssell said Palace were a bigger, more ambitious club.

"They helped me a lot, but in the end I had to make my own decision. There are a lot of very good players here and they are very ambitious.

"The chance to play in London was also a factor. You have to enjoy your life and I find the city interesting."

Meanwhile, non-league side Woking are said to be ready to try and sign Chris Sharpling in the summer.

Sharpling is on loan at Woking until the end of the season and he has made a big impact at the Conference side, scoring quite a few goals.

Sharpling recently said that he wanted to return to The Eagles after his spell at Woking, but now it is reported that he is considering a permanent move to Sussex.

Palace boss Alan Smith rejected an offer from Woking to sign the youngster last month.