Player: Jari Litmanengreenspun.com : LUSENET : Ajax USA : One Thread |
This is the place to discuss Ajax player Jari Litmanen, #20.
-- Anonymous, January 02, 2001
Dear Jari,Are you alright? I hope you do this hamstring is really bothering you isn't it? I hope to see you soon on the pitch again. I admire you for years now but you already know because i always bother you when your pratice on saterday morning. Happy enough you don't mind i bother you at all.
I just wanted to say to you" veel beterschap" and i will always believe in you no matter what. I know what buetiful things you can do with the ball and afcourse how nice and sweet you are as a person and stay as you are because that make you a uniek person for me. Hopefully i see you back soon!
Love and hugg's xxx Esther de Vries
-- Anonymous, February 02, 2003
Jari matches Johan Cruijff,11 December 2002, De Telegraaf,
By scoring against AS Roma, Jari matched the great Johan Cruijff as European top scorer of Ajax of all times. Jari, just like Cruijff, scored 25 European goals for the Amsterdam team. The Finnish international scored 19 CL goals, 4 ECII goals and 2 UEFA Cup goals.
Cruijff scored 19 CL goals (in his days called the European Cup for national champions) 4 in the Intertoto competition and 2 in the European Super Cup.
Litmanen scored his first European goal while playing for Ajax in the Europa Cup II against Hajduk Split on 29 September 1993(final 6-0).
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored first against AS Roma now has 7 CL goals for Ajax. Together with Litmanen he is the only player on the "European goals list" that is currently contracted by Ajax.
-- Anonymous, December 11, 2002
BTW: he's back in training. He joined the group for their full warming-up, after which he left the group and continued individually, with coach-assistant Tonnie Bruins Slot. Ajax.nl reports that he may make Saturday's game in Heerenveen.
-- Anonymous, November 21, 2002
Hi all, don't really know how to use this forum, but to the topic:As a finn, i'd like to see Jari to play more, what's wrong with his leg, anyone know? You are all invited to come to Hellsinki, Finland to national game to see Jari play against Italy :)
-Tero Poikonen, Finland, Espoo
-- Anonymous, November 12, 2002
On the Tuesday training session at the OL's ground he took part in the warm-up session, but stayed at one end of the ground for the rest of the time, with a trainer, merely it seemed honing his ball control techniques. One must presume that his hamstring injury still persists.
-- Anonymous, November 01, 2002
Does any one know why Jari didn't play mid-week in the CL?
-- Anonymous, November 01, 2002
i looked through this discussio forum and was shocked by what i saw , people questioning whether ajax needed jari . litmannen has always belonged at ajax,few can forget his love affair with the fans at the arena on his first spell here.
-- Anonymous, October 30, 2002
Jari left the RKC -Ajax game on 74'.The fan commentary on AjaxNetwerk said he had sustained some sort of injury. What a crap day all around.
-- Anonymous, October 26, 2002
Pasanen usually plays as right back in the national team. And Jari was good today. Lots of good passes.
-- Anonymous, October 12, 2002
I checked out the match ticker for Finland's home tie with, I think, Azerbaijan. The match ended 3:0 to Finland.Most important, it looks like Jari and Petri Pasanen both went 90'.The Finland line-up looks to have utilized Pasanen at right back.
-- Anonymous, October 12, 2002
I just wanted to say that Jaris start of the season in my opinion has been really good. Finally the management has found a good complement to Zlatan. Ajax has taken several steps since last season and once again gets a chance to play with the big guys. Jari has the routine which is neccesary in international games.
-- Anonymous, October 09, 2002
Yes, that’s true. There were contract negotiations in June, but according to Litmanen, the offer made by Ajax was as high as the wage of a reserve team player. He was said to be a bit offended by that.But the last week before the transfer deadline, Litmanen contacted Ajax and accepted the low offer after all. Ajax never makes any comments about financial things, but it’s said they made a slightly higher bid than before. Ajax admitted it was due to Jari that the deal went through after all. So,from getting £50K a week, he probably gets 1/3 or less now. Cool Jari!
-- Anonymous, September 20, 2002
Question : there were reports that Jari had taken a big pay cut to join Ajax. Is there any truth to it?
-- Anonymous, September 19, 2002
Possible debut(for the second time;) for Litmanen at Ajax today. I really hopy his career rockets back to the level he deserves after the Liverpool nightmare. I can only hope that both Ajax and Liverpool qualify to the second round in CL(and are drawed into the same group, naturally) then it would be a perfect change for Ajax (and Litmanen foremost) to show just how this game is ment to play.Everybody else do on the pitch what they can, Litmanen does what he wants.
-- Anonymous, September 14, 2002
www.f-side.nl has some nice pictures as well. And Ben, there were about 1000 people watching the training!
-- Anonymous, September 10, 2002
video from Jari's return now on SuperShota...
-- Anonymous, September 09, 2002
For those,like me, who were anxious to see photos of Jari's first day of training, I have found two good photo montages so far. The first is at Ajax fotoside.nl and the second is at Ajax netwerk.to.Just click on forums, click on wedstrijden en trainingen, click on fotoverslag eerste training Litmanen.Between the two ,I'd say there are about 25 to 30 pictures. 350 people ,signs, torches, media. Damn, wish I could've been there.
-- Anonymous, September 09, 2002
I hope Jari's ready to rock...There is a chance that he will have to replace Rafaël van der Vaart, who just seems to have sustained a knee injury during Holland vs Belarus. We all know how vulnerable Raffy's knees are, after his injury trouble last season. Man, do I hope it's nothing too serious... :-/
-- Anonymous, September 07, 2002
Actually the CL was the main reason for asking Jari to come back. Koeman has said that his first concern was to make sure that Litmanen doesn't hold back Van der Vaart's development (as nr 10). But he has also said that great players like Rafael and Jari can always play together. There are supposed to be 3 possible positions for Jari: as a 'second nr 10' next to Van der Vaart, as a second striker in a 4-4- 2 and one I have completely forgotten ;) It's still a bit of a mystery which squad Koeman has in his head, but I'm sure it will work out.And it's indeed possible to follow Jari's first training and his presentation live on the Ajax-website for 1.15 euros (which is about the same in dollars). But I wouldn't expect too much of the quality, especially with a low bandwidth. Still I guess it's better than nothing.
NB I'm just reading the instructions for the live-thing and I doubt if it's even possible to watch it in another country. What you're supposed to do is this: Click on a button which connects to a system called Switchpoint. On the next screen a tel number will appear. Dial this number (which costs 1.15 euros and is therefore the means of payment) and follow the instructions. Then a code will appear on the screen. This code will grant access to the broadcast. Although they don't say it very clearly, I think it says that the code is linked to a certain PC, so even if you could get someone in Holland to arrange the code for you, it still wouldn't work. How's that for customer service? :(
-- Anonymous, September 07, 2002
Great Litmanen is back!But can Ajax use him? Of couse he is a great player and more than that, But on the attaking middfield ajjax have Van der Vaart, and as long he does'nt have problems, he would be #1 on that possion, or will Koeman take him back on the left middfield, and let Litmanen play on the attaking middfield? Or Will Litmanen blay on the rigth middfield? Another thing is: is Litmanen allowed to play CL?
-- Anonymous, September 06, 2002
Ajax.nl has a feature article today which I believe says that there will be some kind of "on scene " coverage of Jari's first training session, Monday 9 September. Oh well, I have nothing else to do at 4:30 am, eastern US time, so I might as get up,tune in, and turn on...my computer that is.
-- Anonymous, September 06, 2002
Ajax now have posted a message on the official website stating that there are no problems concerning the Litmanen transfer. Ajax have already spoken with the KNVB, and they agree there's no problem. Litmanen has signed for one year and 10 months (instead of just 4 months), but there will be 'evaluation moments' in January 2003 and at the end of this season. This is not against any rules, so now all Ajax fans can sit back and enjoy the Return of Jari :)
-- Anonymous, September 05, 2002
The latest news in this pathetic little story: there's nothing to worry about Ajax-fans! Voetbal International (the mag that first published this news) has an article on it's website now. It says that it is in fact no longer legal (since this summer) to sign a player for less than a year, but the permission that both the KNVB and the UEFA gave Jari to play is very hard for them to undo. What will probably happen is that Ajax and Litmanen will extend the contract to one year, and Ajax have already stated that it is prepared to do this. That means he can play every match for Ajax without a problem. I was quite relieved to read that, since the football authorities are obviously more interested in their own pathetic little rules than in the well-being of the players and the clubs.
-- Anonymous, September 05, 2002
Well.. this is not a translation, but a little summary.The rules in Holland are that a player must be signed at least for one year. Litmanen has agreed for only 4 months! That's the problem. The man who discovered this is Theo van Seggelen. He is the chairman of the VVCS. And now the KNVB says that they thought Litmanen was loaned, instead of bought. But Beenhakker said Litmanen was transfer-free. If Litmanen was loaned there's no problem. But if he is signed for 4 months its illegal!! So I hope there will be no problem. Maybe its just a case of offering Litmanen a one-year contract. Worst case: Litmanen agrees with an one-year deal, but the KNVB says:"This (renewed) contract is signed after August 31, so no Champions League for Litmanen."
-- Anonymous, September 05, 2002
Just when I was ready to celebrate our heroes return, I see stories, in dutch, of a problem or problems with his transfer.Oh kind dutch readers, is it possible to get a translation of either Ajax.nl or Ajax netwerk.to.Losing my job and the love of my life on Monday was bad enough. Please don't tell me forces(FIFA, KNVB, aliens ,etc..) are at work f*^#ing up my football club too!
-- Anonymous, September 04, 2002
Jari returns to Ajax AND leaves f***ing Liverpool! 2 victories in one day!Go Ajax Go USA
-- Anonymous, September 03, 2002
On the day King Jari made his triumphant return,I was sorting thru some old issues of Ajax Life. The front page of one issue in particular caught my eye . The page showed a picture of Jari,adorned in the 95 vintage home top, celebrating a goal with mouth open and fists clenched. The headline was "Litmanen Terug in ArenA". The article, written for the April 27, 2001 edition ,celebrated our hero returning for the August 2001 Amsterdam Tournament as a member of Liverpool.This one photo probably reflects the emotions of player and supporters alike at this moment.Yeeeaaahhh!!! How sweet it is!!! I know I am not alone when I say WELCOME HOME JARI!!!!!!!!! You've been away too long.
-- Anonymous, September 03, 2002
Great Story Jim :-)
-- Anonymous, September 03, 2002
Okay, this discussion needs a kick-start. Jari IS returning, he will wear #20, and I am very excited and a little bit nervous about his return.BTW, I posted a fun story relating to Jari's return on the Ajaxmania English chatzone. Enjoy...
-- Anonymous, September 03, 2002
Im also hearing lots of news about this lately and my guess is that Jari's return to Ajax is for real and Koeman will likely use him if Van der Vaart is not at 100% as we all know Rafael is having some trouble getting fit everytime...cant wait to see Jari in action wearing the Ajax shirt once again ^_^
-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002
Someone also sent email to say that NOS TeleTekst has also reported that Jari is on his way back to Ajax. Hm, I have mixed feelings. Jari is my all-time favorite soccer player, and Ajax (of course) is my favorite team. And yet... What will it do to my memories of Jari at Ajax in the mid 90's if he comes here, struggles, sits, and complains about it? On the other hand, what role would he play, and whom will he oust from the first eleven if he does NOT sit on the bench?My guess is that Ajax believes Jari will bring something 'intangible' to their Champions League campaign. I sure hope they're right. Jari leading Ajax to a successful CL campaign would be like a (recurring) dream come true.
-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002
I'm watching this program on Dutch television and Michael van Praag just said that Jari is coming to Ajax for a period of 4 months!
-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002
The word is that Jari is not going to Galatasaray and will stay at Liverpool to fight for a place. Well that means he will sit not on the bench but in the stands!Its a real shame as he can play (Obviously), and maybe he should consider Ajax's offer once again. Does anyone know what type of salary he was looking for and what Ajax offered him?
-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002
Hey, thanks for your reply! I do see your point, but still... the official site hardly ever writes anything about why Jari isn't playing. When Gerrard is injured, there is loads of news about it, but when Jari is injured you hardly hear anything. While on the message board there is a whole Litmanen-brigade is begging for news! It's not that LFC.tv is only reporting about contract things, they report about lots of other stuff too, so a bit more news about Jari's situation would be very welcome.About the interview (thanks for the compliment ;)), what if I translated it incorrectly or added things that were not true? I didn't of course, but what if? I still think they (you? are you Paul Eaton?) should have mentioned the original source. Now it really looked as if the interview was conducted by lfc.tv, which made it appear as official news, while it was not. Lots of other websites copied it as well, but they are not official. I dunno... I guess I just expected the official site to be reliable...
-- Anonymous, August 15, 2002
I think the point being made was that any news being released by LFC themselves, in particular transfer confirmations, would be posted on liverpoolfc.tv first. The interview you transcribed (excellent translation btw),from Sportsweek, was one which Jari handled himself, and wasn't done through LFC, which is why they weren't the first to post it - Jari's thoughts and experiences over the past few months are not the 'property' or domain of Liverpool Football Club. Had anything happened contractually to affect Jari Litmanen, then yes, this information would, by protocol, have been released on the LFC website first.Sorry for any confusion. Well done on the translation - that was quite a coup you got there!
-- Anonymous, August 14, 2002
"www.liverpoolfc.tv is the ONLY place which releases official news, and the club have made no announcements regarding Jari at all. Regardless of what rumours you hear and read in the press, if it ain't on www.liverpoolfc.tv, it ain't true..."This is proven to be wrong. The official site placed an interview on their site and claimed it to be their own, while they just pasted and copied it from another site. I know this, because I translated the interview from Sportweek myself en saw my own clumpsy translation on their site. They left some parts of the interview out, giving Jari's words a bit different perpective than in the original interview. For instance... Jari said his injury would only last one week, while the official site claims it to last a month... In other words: the official site is crap too. They never say anything about Jari's situation. A shame...
-- Anonymous, August 13, 2002
Yes, that's true. There was a short interview with Ajax' technical director, Leo Beenhakker, on AT5 Television the other day. He admitted that he's had a few talks with Jari, but that his salary highr than Ajax wants and is able to pay. He added: "You can't possibly blame Jari, cos that's what the market is like these days. To many clubs, his salary demands are probably realistic and reasonable. But not to Ajax."I don's see the point of having him back anyway. Never been in favour of it. First off, we already have too many old-timers in the team, especially on midfield (Winter, Witschge, Van Halst). Secondly, the buying of a player should go like this: you take an honest look at your team, you decide where its needs improvement and you search for the best option on the transfer market.
The number 10 position is definitely not a problem, right now. We have two young players of an international caliber over there (Van der Vaart and Pienaar). Also, Wamberto played his best games as a 'ten' and we also have Van der Gun plus several defensive options for the position (Yakubu, Van Halst).
We don't need a ten, so frankly, if we would have Jari back, it would be for nostalgic reasons, and I don't believe in that. What do we want? A Winter-Litmanen-Witschge midfield or something?? Man, it's a nightmare to me. Ajax fans who prefer that, apparently regard Ajax as a football museum. A real Ajacied doesn't want to see Litmanen and Witschge but the new Litmanen and the new Witschge. And the good thing is: we got 'em!
I regard all his as the downside of success, frankly: people start looking back, instead of forward.
(With all due respect for Jari, cos I'll never forget him and what he has given me will always be with me.)
-- Anonymous, July 23, 2002
I read a story on www.planetfootball.com concerning Jari Litmanen that Liverpool allowed him to leave and talks with Ajax didnt result into a grand homecoming for Litmanen simply because Ajax cant afford Litmanen's salary demands. is this true? Menno?
-- Anonymous, July 23, 2002
Liverpool FC have not let Litmanen go, contrary to numerous reports on 'fansites'. www.liverpoolfc.tv is the ONLY place which releases official news, and the club have made no announcements regarding Jari at all.Indeed, he played an hour in a friendly against Le Havre last week, and I expect the same will happen against Lazio on 30th July. These are not the actions of a manager about to get rid...
Regardless of what rumours you hear and read in the press, if it ain't on www.liverpoolfc.tv, it ain't true...
-- Anonymous, July 22, 2002
And what about this then...?"The Liverpool FC management has told Jari Litmanen that there is no future for him at Anfield. The club has decided to let Jari Litmanen go on a free transfer. Litmanen played no more than 26 league games for Liverpool. There were Ajax and Liverpool posters over young Jari's bed, when he was a boy.
Liverpool's squad includes no less than five strikers for next season: Michael Owen, Emile Heskey, Milan Baros, Litmanen and El- Hadji Diouf. According to manager Gérard Houllier, Litmanen has the smallest chances to win a slot in the team.
The Finnish striker had no spot in the line-up last year. Even after Liverpool had sold Robbie Fowler to Leeds Utd, Litmanen was hardly offered playing time.
Since he moved from Barcelona to Liverpool in January of 2001, the former Ajacied played only 26 league games for The Reds, including no less than 14 as a substitute. He scored a meagre five goals, but never complained about his position in the squad.
Several prominent Liverpool fansites have stated that it's a disgraceful decision to let Litmanen go. The common opinion is that Liverpool "loses one of the most creative players in the Premiership, whom Houllier never gave a serious chance to show what he's capable of"." (Source: VI Planet.nl)
Some comments... First of all? Why is Jari regarded as a central forward, who's going for the same position in the team as Michael Owen. He lacks the speed to be a central forward. He's shown his best play as a central midfielder.
Secondly: this is really, really, really sad. A disgrace indeed. My God, is this Houllier guy mistaking. I'm not in favour of having old heroes back to Amsterdam, but now we're having the 'WiWis'... why don't we kick 'em out and have Jari instead?
-- Anonymous, July 21, 2002
No he is not comming back to Amsterdam.His friend at Ajax, Sjakie Wolfs, said that.
Too bad, but every season its the same game. There are always rumours about Litmanen returning or Bergkamp returning to Ajax.
-- Anonymous, July 04, 2002
Anything new going on in the Jari Litmanen transfer? Haven't heard much lately and I'm curious. Come back Jari!!! Please!!!
-- Anonymous, July 02, 2002
Interesting rumor. Does GH sell Jari to help pay for a bit of his new signees(?) or is the experience that Jari has help LFC in so many ways. GH states he needs four strikers. He has Owens, Heskey, Diouf, and Milan Baros. Now that the EPL has waived the three non-EC player allowed to dress rule, GH can play Baros (and Diouf). He could not even dress Baroslast year. My best guess is that if GH needs the money Jari will be back with his "second" favorite team. He has stated many times that Liverpool is the team he touted as a youngster. He also states he loved his time with Ajax. I hope GH sells and Jari returns to help in the Champions league.
-- Anonymous, June 04, 2002
So far, I never believed the Litmanen stories. I was sure it was all nonsense. But now Bastiaan has told me this story, I am having some doubts. I mean: we have an eye-witness, who saw Ronald Koeman and Jari Litmanen talk for an hour at the Sheraton Hotel. The Sheraton is basically at Schiphol Airport, so Jari apparently came over from Liverpool for a chat. He probably returned straight away. You don't meet at an airport hotel just to ask how Mrs Koeman and the kids are doing these days... ;-)This story tells me more than any all those reports published in English tabloids over the past year and a half...
-- Anonymous, May 31, 2002
A friend of a colleague of mine saw Ronald Koeman having a one hour conversation with no one less than Jari Litmanen yesterday, in Amsterdam Sheriton Hotel...!Don't know if it's true and what this means...but I thought I'd let you know.
-- Anonymous, May 30, 2002
footballtransfers.net is reporting that Jari is close to comming back to Ajax. He's never hidden that there's only one club he loves, so it wouldn't be a surprise. Can't talk to the credibility of the though.Cheers,
-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002
Will check liverpoolfc.tv for your post later. Jari's had a really good run lately which can only be a good thing. I heard that GH is going to be ruthless this summer as far as 'spring-cleaning' is concerned, but he's always maintained that he needs four top strikers in the squad and I don't think he can argue with Jari's form at present. And again, Jari has maintained he has no intention of leaving Liverpool if he has anything to do with it. I think he's just about gotten used to the English game (even though he had a short spell at Leeds a few years ago) and has slotted in well now he's found his feet. Funnily enough I've just got back from Amsterdam and there are still shops selling Jari/Ajax merchandise. They certainly haven't forgotten about him over there!Regards,
S
PS. The only reason, as I see it, for the occasional Jari backlash at Anfield is that a lot of LFC fans think that to be brilliant you have to be fast, which we all know Jari isn't. Well speed is all well and good when you're in possession, but you've got to have reliable players good enough to win a ball and keep it, then you can get it up to your Owens and Anelkas. The new 4-3-1-2 formation GH is experimenting with looks promising enough and is worth pursuing.
-- Anonymous, April 15, 2002
I myself live in Liverpool and I'm a big fan of Jari (Yes I have gone the matches and had the privelage of seeing him before and on the pitch!!). It's sad but true that a lot of liverpool fans consider Jari as 'crap' and i'm always the one sticking up for him! :). Anyway, just before, I posted a fans opinion article to the liverpoolfc.tv site, I hope it gets a position because it explains that a player doesn't need to have pace to be perfect and also it says that team rotation is sometimes unfair. Personally, I believe it's bias. -Sarah.p.s. Oh yeah, the only really 'private' thing i know about Jari atm is that on the radio someone apologised for prancing around naked outside his house. (That's what my friend told me anyway.) p.s.s. I HOPE HE DOESNT LEAVE LIVERPOOL!!
-- Anonymous, April 14, 2002
There will be a good chance for Jari fans to catch a full 90 mins of action, when Liverpool play Barcelona in the Champions League this coming Wednesday. With Michael Owen injured and Nicolas Anelka ineligible, this means it is likely that Litmanen and Heskey will start the match as the strike-force. This will probably also be Jari's best chance of consolidating his position in Liverpool's first team. Could be an important night.
-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002
Maybe it was just typical c.y.a., but Koeman told me directly (no kidding, I really spoke to him about this, yesterday) that there is NOTHING to the Jari rumors. Menno and I interviewed Koeman, and since Jari is my personal all time favorite, I had to ask about the rumors. Ajax just has no interest in pursuing this. Bullsh*t, perhaps. But that's what he said.
-- Anonymous, March 07, 2002
Jari also said that Liverpool has also been one of his favourite clubs but the best thing for him would be a return to Ajax!
-- Anonymous, March 07, 2002
Although there have been many reports in UK papers recently, linking Jari to an Ajax return and also to Newcastle Utd, Jari has stressed that he is happy at Anfield and knows that, although he may not be getting regular first team action, he is aware of, and satisfied with, his role in Liverpool's bigger picture for the coming seasons. Only he knows if he is planning to move this summer. Personally I hope he doesn't, but I also appreciate that, as with Robbie Fowler, a footballer's desire is to be on the pitch. Whatever happens, I hope he does what's best for him, and not for others.
-- Anonymous, March 07, 2002
Reported in two English papers today that it is likely that Jari will be returning to Ajax. Daily Star said that Jari will link up with old teammate Ronald Koeman (?) in the summer for £2,000,000. Lets keep fingures crossed.
-- Anonymous, March 02, 2002
I cannot tell everyone how frustrated i am at jari not being picked ahead of heskey for liverpool. Tommo has not got any sense whatsoever and neither has gh if they aren't gonna use jari, why waste buying him. Can any1 please tell me some xtra facts about jari, like if he has any sisters or bros or is married with kids. ta.
-- Anonymous, January 28, 2002
as u can c, im actually a big dalla bona fan, but i also love Litty! Jari u r the gr8st, y r u on the bench always at liverpool? u r sooo much better than a bench-warmer, come 2 play 4 chelsea i wud love that ;) u wud get lots of games!
-- Anonymous, January 27, 2002
Why the hell did Liverpool buy him when they play 4-4-2??? It isn't good for Jari to sit on the bench!!! zlatan.tv
-- Anonymous, January 25, 2002
It is true that Jari is quite mysterious character. He has kept his personal life apart from his footballers life (just like Sami Hyypiä). There was published a book about Litmanen in Finland (Jari Litmanen - Goldshoe, 1995), which gives some extra information about Jari and his past life. He used to be excellent ice-hockey player as well, but luckily for us he chose to be a footballer. He trained very hard and spent a lot of his own time for training as well. His father was a good footballer as well. He has really dedicated for football and gives always his best. I am so sorry to see that they don´t use that talent in Liverpool for their own benefit. Hopefully in the future he gets his chance to show what he really can do with the ball!!!
-- Anonymous, January 25, 2002
Jacob I take it you meant Liverpool and not Ajax. Your statement that it is very strange as he is a very talented and creative attacker is exactly the reason he doesnot play - Liverpool play a very rigid system which makes it very hard to accommodate a player such as Jari. I personally would welcome him back - no problem.
-- Anonymous, January 21, 2002
I've heard rumors that Litmanen is coming back to Ajax as he doesn't get enough time on the field in Ajax (which is very strange as he is a very talented and creative attacker) WWW.ZLATAN.TV
-- Anonymous, January 21, 2002
There's a little frustration amongst Liverpool fans at the moment about Jari being constantly omitted from the team. It's a shame, he's one of the most exciting players I've ever seen and my son absolutely adores him. Any experts out there? He's a bit of a dark horse and no- one knows much about Jari the man. Does anyone out there?
-- Anonymous, January 16, 2002
Wouldn't it be great for Ajax young team to have an older plyer like Jari. Jari a little bit more defensive forward wth Mido and Zlatan on top. That would be just great. www.zlatan.tv
-- Anonymous, December 31, 2001
Jari has been in good form this season, although as Liverpool have plenty of good attackers he has only started in a few games and appears more often as a substitute. He's scored a few goals (including a calm finish past Peter Schmeichel after an excellent pass by the referee against Aston Villa), with of course many assists as well. I'm not sure that Liverpool have quite worked out how to fit him into the team pattern yet - the 'shadow striker' is not a position seen much in English football.For Ajax fans who don't see English matches, I can tell you that Jari's vision and passing are as great as ever.
-- Anonymous, December 31, 2001
I know this might be very old news but he joined Liverpool back around last Christmas time , a good present for Liverpool fans. I am glad because he is my favourite player of all time and he is joining the club that I support.
-- Anonymous, December 04, 2001
Jari was one of the greatest players in Ajax ever. But there is another scandinavian player who is going to be just as great, Zlatan!!
-- Anonymous, September 20, 2001
Reuters is reporting that Jari broke his wrist v. England and is set to be sidelined six weeks. :-(((. Despite the injury, Jari played the full 90 v. England. Sky Sports is confirming the injury too. They say Jari will miss the two-headed UEFA semi v. Barcelona, the FA Cup Semi v. Wycombe, and league matches v. ManU(re), Leeds, and Everton. Another player about whom it could be said...If it wasn't for bad luck,he'd have no luck at all".
-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001
jari didn´t play last night against Luxenburg beacause of small leg injury. 24th march he´s back against England in Anfield road.
-- Anonymous, March 01, 2001
I know Jari is presently out with a calf injury but I am pleased to see that he will be on the receiving end of a winners medal. In case anyone missed it,Liverpool won 5-4 on penos today in the Worthington Cup final.A class result for a class person; both on and off the pitch.
-- Anonymous, February 25, 2001
Great article on Jari on BBC:Litmanen: Reds are ready to rumble
-- Anonymous, February 15, 2001
The latest is that Jari may debut in the FA Cup tie ,Liverpool v.Rotheram,on Saturday 1/6 or 6/1 for those who don't speak American. Also, as FSW has shown the Worthington Cup ties,I hope the Crystal Palace v. Liverpool match of Wednesday or Thursday next week will air.I hope FSW will be so good as to show the Amstel Cup semi-final the last weekend in January. Go AJAX!!!! Sign a new midfielder..or twoto take up for Knopper's absence. May the soccer gods be so go as to allow the rumoured move of Emerton from F-word to Middlesborough. Chiao for now from snowy(UGH!!!!!!) Pennsylvania.
-- Anonymous, January 05, 2001
So, it's gonna be Liverpool then. According to most newspapers here, Barcelona and Liverpool agree on the transfer fee. Jari is now working out the (financial) details with Liverpool - no trouble expected. He is about to sign a 2,5 year contractNow here's the perfect scenario: Jari plays for Liverpool the next two seasons. In the mean time Ajax continues developing a new great team like they do now. In 2003 Litmanen's contract expires and he comes back 'home' to Ajax Rijkaard-style. How about that?
-- Anonymous, January 04, 2001
I bought what I believe to be the same video (different title) about 18 months ago from www.soccervideos.com.It was made when he was still at Ajax, and has SOME nice footage of him there. It also has interviews with his former coach in Finland and footage of Finnish players trying to play on the frozen tundra that passes for soccer pitches there. But overall, I was disappointed with too little action and too much interview.
If you love him, and I know you do (who with any sense doesn't?) you might want to pick it up. But I thought I'd give you my two cents....
-- Anonymous, January 04, 2001
Has anyone seen this video about Jari? "Jari Litmanen - A Dream Come True" for sale on BigSoccer. (http://www.bigsoccer.com/store/product_info.php? cPath=&products_id=653&) If it's half-decent I'll have to get it! My hero, immortalized on video...Here's a news-tidbit: As Jari Litmanen negotiates his transfer away from Barcelona, an un-named English club is rumoured to have entered the bidding in an attempt to bring the fantastic Finn to The Premiership: full story on OPTAsoccer.com.
-- Anonymous, January 03, 2001