March 16 2001

Aki Riihilahti

Crystal Palace manager Alan Smith has swooped for 25 year old Finnish international Aki Riihilahti. Riihilahti who is a midfielder, has signed from Norwegian side Valerenga FC .

Simon Jordan was quoted on the Official Palace website as saying "Aki is an extremely talented player and will prove another valuable addition to our squad," said Jordan. "He is very confident in his own ability and I am sure he will be a great success at Crystal Palace Football Club."

The following is an extract from his official website (http://www.aki.vpn.no) on his earlier playing days (in his rather 'broken' english!)

"I was close to transfer to Nottingham Forest and I was taken in to the Finnish national team. National team was my destiny, Forest was not. National team was a matter of honor, HJK a matter of heart. Both were doing good, so was I. With HJK we hit the jackpot - Champions league. It was a dream come though to play in the top of the world and do good there.

I had served 17 years my dear team HJK and now I got offers from all over. I chose Norway and Vålerenga. I do not know why, I just felt for it.

Year 1999 Norway, Oslo, Vålerenga. New place, new opportunities and completely new game. First year had everything, good and bad. Unbelievable supporters, high quality of league, lot of new but also lot of losses and chaos in the club. I was awarded Vålerengas player of the year, but that gave little pleasure after all the bad results.

New millennium, new chances. Team is potential, so am I. Path is open and the progress is good. My ambitions are high. This boring story should be one day only short introduction of my life story. Next passes and tackles writes the rest of my history.