Wiss and Manso bow out in Finland

Finnish football waved goodbye, in the playing sense, to two favourite sons at the weekend as Tampere United's Jarkko Wiss and Marco Manso of Myllykosken Pallo-47 retired at the end of the 2007 Veikkausliiga season.

Title success
Wiss, 35, has hung up his boots because 18 years as a professional have taken their toll on his ankles. Still, he bows out on a high having been a key figure as Tampere won the title by eight points despite losing at home to FC Honka Espoo on Saturday. Capped 45 times by Finland, the last in a UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Poland in September, Wiss scored 31 goals in 240 top-flight games in his homeland, winning four championships, in addition to spells in Norway, Scotland and England.

Manso strike
Brazilian midfielder Manso, 34, celebrated his final match by scoring the second goal as MyPa defeated relegated FC Oulu 3-2, his 36th goal in 153 Veikkausliiga outings. The South American arrived in the country eight years ago and has developed into a real fans' favourite. "If you don't like Finland it's tough to stay here for six months, but if you love it you can stay for 90 years," Manso said.

Dreams realised
"I've really enjoyed it and am pleased with what I've achieved," he continued. "I haven't had any major injuries and have many great memories. I'm content now – I've been able to do what I dreamed about as a child." Both Manso and Wiss will remain with their clubs on the coaching staff.