New TPS signing Jonatan Johansson was introduced to the media via Skype on Monday. Photo courtesy of Jani Mesikämmen.
TPS have strengthened their attack significantly by signing the 34-year-old Finnish international Jonatan Johansson on a one-year contract. Johansson returns to TPS after spending 14 years abroad, donning the colours of FC Flora Tallinn, Glasgow Rangers, Charlton Athletic, Norwich, Malmö FF, Hibernian and, most recently, St. Johnstone.
“I had a great time playing for TPS in 1995 and 1996”, Johansson recalls. “2010 will be a vital season for me personally, and it is important that I am part of a team with a genuine chance of winning titles”, the striker continued.
Johansson currently occupies the second spot in Finland’s all-time top scoring charts. His return of 22 goals in 101 games for Finland leaves him second only to Jari Litmanen. The striker, who can be employed as a pure forward as well as a wide striker, was Finland’s top scorer in World Cup 2010 qualifying. He scored five goals altogether, one of which sent Craig Bellamy into tears. It is not surprising, then, that new TPS head coach Marko Rajamäki was over the moon with Johansson’s arrival.
“We signed a national team regular, what more can you say”, Rajamäki enthused. “Johansson’s experience gives a lift to our younger players as well. But we must remember that not everything is about Jonatan. This is a team, even if he is an important piece in the puzzle”.
The striker had a few options to pick from. Following the spell at St. Johnstone, he spent some time training with Scottish First Division side Greenock Morton.
“Staying at Greenock Morton would have been the easiest option, the place is just a 10-minute drive away from where I live. But I found the quality and professionalism of the Finnish league better”, revealed Johansson.
Johansson lives in Scotland and will do most of his pre-season training on his own. Johansson will join TPS for the friendly against Swedish side Hammarby IF on March 20th, following Finland’s friendly against Malta.
