Finns have not been seen in the women’s Bundesliga in the 2020s yet. This season, however, we’ll see, because the promotion team SV Meppen has signed an 18-month contract with the Espola-based Milla Punsarin with.
Punsar has represented FC Honka all his adult life, whose captain he has been in recent years. The Espoo club arranged for their captain to train with the German club, and at the end of the test period, a contract was signed.
– I went to Finland at the weekend to pick up some stuff and flew back here. The biggest thank you for the transfer goes to Honga’s manager Velimatti for Sutela, who actively tries to organize different places for us Honga players. He had gone through different clubs, and then Meppen came along, Punsar praises.
But what made Punsari go abroad as a professional now, at the age of 26?
– However, I have always identified as a football player. I’ve said I’ll do some work on that side. The transition will probably be quite smooth, since football has always been such a strong part of the identity.
Punsar, who has been playing in Honga’s midfield and attack since 2015, has been among the best in the league season after season. However, injuries have often been a problem, but last season Punsar was spared major setbacks.
– Now it was a good situation in many respects in terms of the fact that the schools have been visited and I had a healthy season. Last season was the first time ever that I got to play all the games. I thought that if I ever want to go abroad, I have to go now. An athlete’s career is not that long. It felt like the pieces fell into place and a good alternative was found. I decided to try this.
Punsar’s contract has the possibility of termination in the summer, if the player so wishes.
– If you feel like it’s not going to work out, I wanted a chance for myself. Looks like everything is fine!
A rare Finnish delicacy
In recent years, Finnish women have not been seen in Germany’s main league. Tinja-Riikka Korpela guarded the Bayern Munich goal from 2014 to 2017 and Katriina Talaslahti was part of the club’s organization between 2015 and 2019, but in games he was seen in action mainly in Bayern’s second team and youth teams.
– It’s great to be able to represent Finland here. Of course there are Finns on the men’s side, Punsar commented.
Meppen is a small village of about 35,000 inhabitants, located right on the Dutch border. Punsar says that he had a good time in the village.
– Everyone is really friendly and it feels like everyone knows each other. The women’s team is a bit like the flagship of this city, the men play in the third highest league level and the women in the Bundesliga, Punsar says.
The goal of the team, which has been promoted to the main league for this season, is to retain a place in the league. After ten matches, Meppen is seventh in the 12-team Bundesliga.
– Their slogan is “we are here to stay”. In previous years, they have been in the Bundesliga and then dropped again. The goal is definitely to be a standard team in the Bundesliga.
On the domestic courts, Punsar has become known for his unyieldingness and hard work in both directions – and that’s exactly the kind of player the rising star was looking for.
– They needed an attacking player who also likes to defend a lot. Our Meppen often goes to games as an underdog when there are tough opponents coming. Hard work is needed here and I hope that my qualities will help the club achieve its goals.
So far, Punsar has not been seen in the A national team. While waiting to be named, Punsar plans to focus on enjoying playing.
– Come on, why not. I’ve never taken any pressure from it. The invitation will come if it comes. I play because I love football and not because I have to be somewhere in a certain year.
The Women’s Bundesliga continues at the beginning of February. Meppen meets next on 5.2. at home to Eintracht Frankfurt.