Cottagers snare Litmanen
31 Jan 2008 - 15:22:35
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has used his knowledge of Scandinavian football to sign veteran forward Jari Litmanen on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
The 36-year-old former Ajax, Liverpool and Barcelona star had been training with the Cottagers in recent weeks.
Litmanen was Hodgson's captain during his time as Finland manager and the veteran forward scored 28 times in 110 international appearances.
He has joined the Cottagers after leaving Swedish club Malmo, but Hodgson believes he will prove a good short-term acquisition.
"I don't think there's a need to explain the qualities that Jari possesses as a player or the obvious reasons for wanting to bring him to Fulham and I'm delighted that he's agreed to join us for the remaining months of the season," he told the club's official website.
"Although he isn't entirely match-fit at the moment, I've no doubt that he'll have a big part to play over the coming months and that we shall benefit as a team from his skill and experience."
Meanwhile, the Cottagers have also snapped up Finnish international defender Toni Kallio from Swiss side BSC Young Boys.