Finnish forward Jari Litmanen has signed for Fulham on a short-term contract until the end of the season.
The 36-year-old Finland international, a key part of the great Ajax side that won four Dutch titles and lifted the European Cup in 1995, has joined his compatriot Toni Kallio in arriving at Craven Cottage as Roy Hodgson looks to rescue the Whites from relegation.
Litmanen, who scored nine goals in 43 games during two seasons at Liverpool, also spent a season at Barcelona and most recently came close to reaching the Euro 2008 finals in a Finnish side managed by Hodgson. He has spent ten days on trial at Motspur Park having recovered from the ankle injury that saw Malmo cancel his contract extension at the start of the Swedish season.
A delighted Hodgson told Fulham’s official website:
“I don’t think there is a need to explain the qualities that Jari possesses as a player or the obvious reasons for wanting to bring him to Fulham. I am delighted that he has agreed to join us for the remaining months of the season. Although he is not entirely match fit at the moment, I have no doubt that he will have a big part to play over the coming months.”
Litmanen, who has won 110 caps for his country, will hope to fire Fulham away from the relegation zone. Hodgson’s side are currently second bottom of the Premier League table – on sixteen points from 24 games – and four points from safety.
