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King Litmanen's Comeback: From Long Covid to Legends Games
17 Feb
Summary
- Finnish football legend Jari Litmanen battled debilitating Long Covid for years.
- He recently played alongside his sons in a fourth-tier Estonian match.
- Litmanen, 54, calls his return to football a 'new life' after recovery.
Jari Litmanen, affectionately known as 'Kuningas' (The King) in Finland, is enjoying a resurgence in football after overcoming severe Long Covid. The 54-year-old legend, who previously feared he would never play again, recently shared the pitch with his sons, Caro and Bruno, in a fourth-tier Estonian league game. This marked a significant milestone after a four-year hiatus from the sport.
Litmanen's recovery from Long Covid, which began in March 2020, was a arduous process. He experienced profound fatigue, sleep disturbances, and difficulty walking. Playing in legends games has become crucial for his mental well-being, with Litmanen stating it feels like the start of a new life and that he is almost fully recovered.
His illustrious career includes a successful spell at Ajax, where he won the Champions League in 1995, and later a period at Liverpool. Despite persistent injury issues throughout his career, Litmanen looks back with positivity, proud of his achievements and his 21 years representing the Finnish national team.
