Jukka Raitala, who has made a 12-year tour, is again a player in HJK.
Jukka Raitala sits at the table in the renovated restaurant at Töölölä Stadium.
The 33-year-old professional runner spent as much as 12 years abroad and is now returning to his native Club on his world conquest expedition.
– It feels really good to be in a familiar company in Finland, Helsinki, where things work well, Raitala says and at the same time wipes the buns from his mouth.
– At first, of course, it was confusing when making that decision. However, 12 years is a long time.
Both Raitala and HJK have come a long way from what they saw last. Keke Armstrong brought a young Kerava defender to open stripes as a teenager, and Antti Muurinen sent to Germany as a full-time professional.
At some point Stuart Baxter gave the young man a national team debut.
The names of the coaches suddenly sound prehistoric. Now Raitala is returning to a completely different role. His job is to guard new promises at the beginning of their football careers.
– Of course the club has moved on and it’s really hard to remember how I experienced things when I was young. I was just happy and proud to be part of the No. 1 team.
– Now there is a little more responsibility. The life experience and position on the team are, of course, completely different.
Desire for Owners
HJK’s follower identity is divided. On the other hand, it is a very strong breeding community that pushes young people towards their dreams and funds them to the best of their ability.
The story continues after the picture.
Raitala rose to the opening of the Club as a teenager. JUSSI SCHOOL
At the same time, however, it serves as a base for national team knights who have reached the end of their careers. In addition to Raitala, the Huuhkajat topper Joona Toivio bones this season on the back lines of the Club.
– I may see a little myself in many young people. For my part, I try to create an environment where everyone is good to be. And, of course, to bring the level of demands I have become accustomed to over the years, here on a daily basis.
One trainee has just made his Owl Debut Miska Ylitolva. The Rovaniemi-based right kit is inevitably on its way to the brightest lights, and Raitala’s experiences from the main series in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark and the USA certainly provide good support.
Ylitolva broke into the A-national team at the Murcian camp, which just ended. Even the track has not closed the Owl door of its life.
– I thought about it a lot. Of course, there is always a passion to represent the A national team, but it must be understood that I am coming of age. Do I still have something to give? Is there a use?
It was Markku Kanervan in the group already at the level of those under 21 years of age. The long cooperation guarantees that Rive has not forgotten its credit package either.
– I understand that I will no longer play on the national team for an insane number of years.
Raitala played for the last four years in the MLS league on the other side of the rapak. Now, however, he is on the same continent as the national team.
– I don’t think it matters to Rive.
HJK will face Hongan in the opening round of the Veikkausliiga. The match, which starts at 3 pm on Saturday, can be watched from the Ruutu service.
Jukka Raitala is wearing an HJK shirt again. JUSSI SCHOOL