News filtered through late last night that our Finnish international keeper Antti Niemi had been forced to retire.
Niemi, who suffered a wrist injury last season has been unable to recover sufficiently to resume the hectic schedule that professional football has become.
Speaking to the official site, Niemi explained,
‘My plan was always to finish my career after this contract, which runs out next summer.’
‘But due to my wrist injury it would be another two months before I could start training again. I asked the club for their views and I was very grateful that they understood where I was coming from and thankfully we settled the contract so that the club would gain something and I would be happy with the terms.’
Niemi has enjoyed a career that has seen him play for FC Copehnagen, Glasgow Rangers, Charlton Athletic, Hearts and Southampton before he moved to craven Cottage.
Whilst at Craven Cottage he endeared himself to the Fulham faithful with some wonderful displays during his sixty-four appearances, after signing in January 2006. At international level he played sixty seven times for Finland.
Looking back at his time in Britain, Niemi remarked,
‘It’s really been a privilege playing in Britain.’
‘When you come from abroad, it really strikes you. The pressure is amazing every single game feels like a big game.’
Here at Vital Fulham we’d like to thank him for his contribution to the club and we’d also like to wish him every success with whatever he decides to do with his life now.
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