Jarno Parikka

Jarno Parikka (born 21 July, 1986) is a Finnish retired footballer who played as a striker. On 23 November, 2011, after his contract with HJK expired, it was announced that Parikka had signed a 2+1 year-contract with Vaasan Palloseura. He scored his first goal for VPS on 22 April, 2012, in a 2−1 home win over newly promoted FC Lahti.

On 16 December, 2015, HJK announced the return of Parikka to the club on a one-year contract. Less than two months later, on 12 February, 2016, Parikka announced his retirement from football after a series of knee injuries.

International career Parikka has played for his country in different national junior teams, most recently the Finland national under-21 football team. In the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship he played on the Finnish U-17 team and scored the equalising goal in Finland's 2–1 win against China in the opening fixture.

He was also a part of the Finnish under-21 team, that qualified for the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship final tournament in 2009.

On 4 February, 2009, Parikka made his debut in the Finnish national team in a friendly match against Japan.

Family Parikka's father Jari is also a footballer who played for also played for HJK. His younger brother Mikko Parikka is a regular cast member of the popular prime time soap opera, Salatut elämät.

Career statistics

International Statistics accurate as of match played 4 February 2009

Honours

Club HJK Veikkausliiga (3): 2009, 2010, 2011 Finnish Cup (3): 2006, 2008, 2011

Individual

The Most Promising Young Player: 2004