After eleven years in the British game Antti Niemi announced his forced retirement, the cruel result of a wrist injury inflicted while training with his current club Fulham. The 36 year old also plyed his trade for Southampton, and across the border gaining cult status with Rangers and Hearts. Niemi is widely regarded as Finland's best ever goalkeeper and held the number one jersey for his nation for more than a decade, earning 67 caps.

It was at Southampton that he first caught the eye of many a football spectator. He arrived from the Scottish capital with good reviews, but no-one realised just how good he was. Since taking his position between the sticks on the South coast in 2002, Niemi, instantly recognisable by his shock of peroxide hair, leapt and parried keeping frustrated strikers at bay and almost single-handedly allowing Southampton to dream of Europe. 106 appearances, a post-war club record for the number of clean sheets. Two million well spent.

Niemi was refreshingly honest in his praise for the British game saying,

"I would like to thank everyone because it's really been a privilege to play here. The atmosphere is wonderful and the pressure is amazing. The British people have a great sense of humour, they come to the games, support their team and it really is special for any foreign player." I can't imagine Robinho will echo his sentiments after experiencing a midweek November clash with Stoke City. Sorry, I just couldn't resist having a dig.

Niemi's assured presence and spectacular shot stopping earned him a reputation as one of the finest goalkeepers in the Premiership. The finnish supremo revealed that he hoped to be involved with coaching his country at some point, but for now intends to spend time with his family. He's certainly earned it. After a season of being ordered around by Roy 'life and soul of the party' Hodgson who can blame him?