HJK's Lehkosuo calls it quits

HJK Helsinki midfield player Mika Lehkosuo has admitted defeat in his fight against longstanding knee problems. The former Finnish international never fully recovered after damaging his crucial ligaments in summer 2000 and has now decided to retire.

'Problems ever since'
Lehkosuo said: "The ligaments were fine after half a year of rehabilitation, but I've had problems with the knee ever since. The knee was operated again last autumn and the doctor suspected I wouldn't be able to carry on with football. During the winter this proved to be the case."

Spell in Serie A
Lehkosuo, who is 33, was capped 18 times by Finland, scoring two goals. He played 190 matches in the Finnish top flight and also had a short spell in Serie A with AC Perugia in 1998/99.

Coaching role
HJK coach Keith Armstrong said: "As one door closes another opens. We are sorry to lose an experienced player like Mika, but fortunately we have young players eager to fill his place in the squad." Lehkosuo, who recently became a father of twins, will remain at HJK working with the junior teams.