Jussi Jaaskelainen has revealed he aims to earn a new contract at West Ham United, with his current deal set to expire in the summer.
The veteran goalkeeper turns 39 by the end of the season, but as has been witnessed with other players of the same position in the past, this is no reason in itself to hang up the gloves. Indeed, the former Finland star, who won 56 caps for his country before quitting international football three years ago, has again been in splendid form.
Jaaskelainen has played in all seven of the Hammers Premier League matches so far, keeping four clean sheets, and he was an ever-present in his debut campaign at Upton Park last term. With his deal set to expire in the summer, he has now revealed that he hopes manager Sam Allardyce will offer him fresh terms before the season is over.
“That’s what my aim is at the moment. But I want to go on as long as I can,” he told the official club website. “The goalkeeping coach and backroom staff are fantastic and look after me pretty well. They know my needs and give me one or two extra days off now and then. Experience as a goalkeeper is important and the main aim is to be consistent.”
Jaaskelainen has been in England since Colin Todd signed him for Bolton Wanderers in a bargain £100,000 deal back in 1997. He later played under Allardyce for the Lancashire club, and made over 500 appearances for them before joining West Ham. During his time in his adopted country, he has established himself as one of the best in the business.
