Erkki Alaja’s spouse tells about the sad news.
Erkki Alaja photographed in 2014. ATTE KAJOVA
Sports influencer and former soccer and handball player Erkki Alaja has died at the age of 71.
The sad news is told by Alaja’s spouse Tuuli Merikoski on Twitter.
– Bright summer turned into pitch black in an instant. My beloved husband Erkki Alaja died suddenly yesterday, writes Merikoski.
– In the directionless sadness, there is gratitude for the wonderful time together. The influence of Erki’s big heart is now beating in the rest of us. Honey, have a good trip to the heavenly sports fields.
Alaja was known as a significant and versatile pioneer in Finnish sports. After his playing career, he worked as a sports manager and wrote several books on sports marketing and sponsorship.
Alaja’s works also include Mikael Forssell a book about life One more goal and Aulis Rytkönen’s biography Aulis Rytkönen – Monsieur Magic. In addition, he has written a book Helsinki hockey stadion.
Alaja has also worked as CEO of HJK and chairman of AC Alliance.