Antti Niemi - Fulham & Finland

Antti Niemi (born May 31, 1972 in Oulu) is a Finnish football goalkeeper who currently plays for Fulham F.C. in the English Premiership.

Niemi began his Veikkausliiga career in Finland with HJK Helsinki in 1991. After five seasons at HJK, he moved to Denmark's FC København and from there to Scottish giants Rangers in 1997. He never became first choice at Rangers though, and mostly played with the reserves, while also having a loan spell at Charlton.

In 1999 Niemi moved to Hearts, where he became known as one of the most respected goalkeepers in the SPL. He moved to Southampton in 2002, and soon established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in England. After Southampton were relegated in 2005 and failed to be promoted the following season, Niemi decided to return to the Premiership with Fulham, for whom he signed in January 2006. He is now their first choice keeper.

Widely considered Finland's best ever goalkeeper, Niemi was first choice for the Finnish national team for almost a decade, before announcing his decision to retire from international football in 2005. He was capped 66 times by his country.

Niemi is known as an excellent shot-stopper with great reflexes. Having played for middle-to-bottom drawer teams throughout his career, he has gained something of a reputation for carrying his team through against relentless pressure from superior opponents. His main shortcoming is relative lack of stature and occasional unwillingness to leave the goalmouth, resulting in lack of control of the penalty area.

Niemi is happily married with two children.