Former Nigerian international Taiye Taiwo has completed a one-year move to Finnish third-tier outfit, Salon Palloilijat.
Prior to the move, the 36-year-old has been training with Italian fourth division side Sant’Angelo,as he is keen to continue his professional career.
In an interview with BBC Sport Africa, Taiwo explained his motivation to continue playing football.
“The reason I can play football actively now is because I still have plenty left in the tank,” he said.
“A lot of people always say that Africans retire early but I am living proof that we can still play into our late 30s and early 40s.
“I know it’s a club in the third division and they are keen to gain promotion. It could be my biggest challenge in Finland, another country I can call home.
“I love challenges, and the ambition of the club to play in the second tier was a big factor in my decision to come back to Finland.
“I know I could’ve gone elsewhere but imagine achieving success with Salon Palloilijat – people will talk about me forever in the city.
“At this stage of my life and after the career I have had, I believe I can help the younger players, act like a role model, pass on my knowledge and together we can help the team,” he added.
Taiwo joined Olympique Marseille from Nigeria Professional Football League side Lobi Stars following an impressive performance at the U20 Fifa World Cup 2005 – where he was named as the third-best player behind ex-teammate Mikel Obi and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
In France, he won one Ligue 1 title, two French League Cups as well as one UEFA Inter Toto Cup before joining AC Milan in 2011.
The well-travelled player also enjoyed spells at Queens Park Rangers, Dynamo Kyiev, Bursaspor, HJK Helsinki, Lausanne, AFC Eskilstuna, RoPS, Doxa Katokopias, Trallwm FC and Palm Beach Stars.
On the international scene, he played in 54 matches for the Super Eagles and was part of the squad that finished third at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations.
