Huuhkajat icon Paulus Arajuuri and HIFK, who were relegated to the First Division of football, surprised on Monday by announcing a two-year player contract.
Anu Karttunen,
Matti Lehtisaari
Paulus Arajuuri, 34, returned to his hometown Helsinki last summer after spending several years abroad. HJK got a good spirit from the former captain of the national team, but due to injuries he played only four matches and only two of them in the Veikkausliiga. In November, he announced that he would no longer continue at the Club.
On Monday, HIFK, which was relegated to the 1st division, said that the defender, who was admired by the national team, signed a two-year contract with the Helsinki club.
– I was thinking about what would be next and I happened to read Tema (sports director Teemu Kankkunen) and Sam’s (head coach Okkonen) thoughts, what kind of construction project is going on at IFK. It really sounded like something I could be excited to be a part of, Arajuuri said.
The interest turned into discussions and quite quickly they came to the conclusion that it could be a good thing for everyone if Arajuuri moved to “Röda”.
– And now we are here. I am really excited to be involved in this project.
Arajuuri told his new team on the website (you will switch to another service) that he proudly continues the family’s traditions, because his grandfather Yrjö Arajuuri played for the club in the 50s as a goalkeeper. IFK was playing in the Suomenseries at that time.
As an example and to bring energy
In the upcoming season in Ykkösen, Arajuuri will meet familiar players, as, among other things, in the ranks of TPS there are such Huuhkajat players as Kasper Hämäläinen and Riku Riski.
Arajuuri is looking forward to playing against his old teammates, but he is equally excited by the idea of being able to help his team and its young players.
– I try to set an example with what I do and be helpful to younger players. I myself have received so much from football and Finnish football, so I hope I can give something back, Arajuuri stated.
– Even though I already have my age on the meter, I hope that I can also bring the power and energy I bring to daily activities. I’m really excited to go along. I hope it catches on with others too.
IFK’s relegation after last season was a hard blow for the club, but the Helsinki team is trying to get back into the league as quickly as possible. According to Arajuure, the coach has given orders to win every match.
– A new project will start, and sooner or later IFK will rise back to the league. We all agree. You have to focus on the right things and have long-term faith in this project.