Jari Litmanen

Latest about Jari Litmanen

‘We were all disappointed, but the real question was why Figo left. It’s just not normal for a Barcelona player to join Real Madrid’ Jari Litmanen on Luis Figo’s explosive Nou Camp exit

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The Portuguese star made the controversial move from the Camp Nou to the Bernabeu in 2000

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‘I suffered heart rhythm problems after signing for Fulham. A combination of my health issues and the team’s need for fit players meant Roy Hodgson stopped counting on me’ Why Jari Litmanen never played for Fulham

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The Finn reunited with his former national team boss at Craven Cottage in 2008

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‘To have been part of Zlatan’s career when he was still growing into the player he became, it’s something that makes me happy’ Jari Litmanen on playing alongside a young Zlatan Ibrahimovic

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The playmaking pair line-up alongside each other during Litmanen’s second spell at Ajax

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‘I had three options: Bayern, Barcelona and Liverpool. I went to Barca – it’s a special club and I followed La Liga because of Cruyff and Koeman’ Jari Litmanen on his Nou Camp stint

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The Finn ended his superlative seven-year stint at Ajax when he joined Barcelona 1999

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‘It was fascinating to watch how Bergkamp controlled the ball, managed space and stayed so calm in front of goal. That year alongside him was really valuable for me’ What Jari Litmanen learned from the Dutch legend

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The pair spent a season together at Ajax before the Dutchman moved on

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‘I wanted to wear 77 at Liverpool to combine my idols Keegan and Dalglish, who were both No.7, but they told me it was too high’ Jari Litmanen on what it meant to sign for Liverpool

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The Finnish legend made the move to Anfield in January 2001

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Ajax players celebrate with the Champions League trophy after winning the 1995 final against AC Milan
‘I had a grass allergy a week before the Champions League final. My eyes were red, my throat was sore and I didn’t feel right but I played anyway’ Jari Litmanen on his European triumph at Ajax

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The Finn was a key part of Ajax's brilliant 1994/95 Champions League win

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Jari Litmanen celebrates after scoring for Ajax against Panathinaikos in the Champions League semi-finals in April 1996.
‘I went on trial at Leeds, but English football was different then. Even if they’d offered me a contract, I would have said no’ Jari Litmanen on why he initially snubbed the English game

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The Finn would go on to dazzle at Ajax

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NEW ISSUE: Cole Palmer’s journey to cult status, James McAtee on his Forest switch, Denilson tells his story, javelin ace Rory Delap, Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha scouted and Jari Litmanen takes your questions

By Henry Burridge Published

Get your hands on the latest issue of FourFourTwo magazine – available in print or on your device – from Thursday October 16

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Robert Lewandowski celebrates a Barcelona goal against former club Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals in April 2025.
Top scorers in Champions League semi-finals

By Ben Hayward Published

Ahead of this season's semi-finals, a look at the players with the most goals in the last four of the European Cup and the Champions League...

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