Litmanen extends contract to 2004

02 May: After weeks of speculation, Ajax and Jari Litmanen finally reached an agreement for another year. Today the Finn extended his contract until July 2004. Beenhakker: "Everyone within the club is happy that Jari can give his best to Ajax for another season."

Earlier this season, Koeman had revealed his worries about Litmanen's many injuries. And this week he said mysteriously: "A fit Litmanen is of course of great importance for Ajax," underscoring the physical problems of the 32-year old. So far, Litmanen has played only nineteen matches, of which eight were as a substitute. But finally his qualities proved too tempting, as Litmanen was presented another contract today.

Litmanen made his debut for Ajax in 1992, in a home match against Go Ahead Eagles. He stayed at Ajax until the summer of 1999, after which he followed former Ajax coach Van Gaal to FC Barcelona. Before he returned to Ajax this season, Litmanen played at Liverpool FC. (BV)