Erkki Alaja

Erkki Alaja (b. 1952) is the co-writer of Vielä yksi maali (On More Goal). He is a well-known Finnish sport expert. 

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Vielä yksi maali (One more goal)

Mikael Forssell (b. 1981) is one of Finland’s most successful football players. It was clear from the start that he would be a footballer, even though in his youth he had to practice on the gravel yards of Helsinki city centre, on the streets and in the alleyways. Forssell has played for Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Birmingham City among others. In his book, Vielä yksi maali (”One More Goal”), Forssell reveals what it takes to be a successful footballer, including the sacrifices and decisions you have to make. Above all, he tells about overcoming obstacles that undoubtedly come in every top-athlete’s way. This book is about passion for football.

Comments from the Finnish press:

“Forssell can hold his head up high among the legends because his book is one of the best in its class, for both its language and interesting subject.”
Mikko Knuuttila, Iltasanomat

“One More Goal transports even an old player to the green pitch once more to dream with Forssell about the moment when the ball glides past the keeper onto the net. […] there are deep insights in the book that are a rare treat in sports literature.”
Matti Pitko, Aamulehti

“Forssell gives 100 per cent of himself to the readers. One More Goal is not an ordinary sports book but above all a passionate story about the king of sports, football.”
Heli Korhonen, Raahen Seutu

“One More Goal is a great book for fans. The stylish book is not just a list of Mikael Forssell’s achievements but full of entertaining and humorous stories from the footballer himself.”
Sanna Häkkilä, Fitness

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Aulis Rytkönen – Monsieur Magic

Erkki Alaja’s biography of Finland’s first professional football player, Aulis Rytkönen, recounts the story of how a boy from severe circumstances in eastern Finland fought his way to international repute in the professional leagues. In 1952–1960, Rytkönen played for Toulouse FC, enjoying a stunning career in France. Aulis Rytkönen – Monsieur Magic is an homage to a great man and athlete. Aulis Rytkönen celebrated his 80^th birthday in January 2009, and this book is full of compelling anecdotes told by the icon himself.