Sakari Mattila (born 14 July 1989) is a Finnish former professional footballer who played as a defender. Mattila was born in Tampere, but began his senior club career in Helsinki playing for Klubi-04, before making his league debut for HJK at age 18 in 2008.
Mattila was born in Tampere, Finland, to a Finnish mother and Algerian father.[1]
Club career
HJK Helsinki
Before the season 2008, HJK was on a training camp in Marbella and Mattila was spotted by scouts of Sevilla FC and Málaga CF.[2] He was playing on schoolboy terms, but HJK managed to sign a three-year contract with him.[3]
In August 2008, Serie A club Palermo called him up for a week-long trial after scouting him in Helsinki.[4] Just a week after his visit to Palermo, Udinese Calcio called him up for a week-long trial.[5] Before leaving to Udine, Mattila stated that he is ready for a move to Italy.[6] In October, Iltasanomat told that Udinese had made an offer, but HJK rejected the first bid. The asking price was said to be around 700.000 euros.[7] After rumours about his move to Udinese, Mattila stated that he wants to make a career in Italy and was hoping for a move in the next transfer window.[8]
Udinese Calcio
In November 2008, he signed a 4.5-year contract with Udinese and joined the club in January 2009.[9] He played with the Primavera team and in July 2009 left on loan for Ascoli.
On 4 August 2015 Mattila signed for Fulham FC for an undisclosed fee.[13][14]
On 8 August 2016 his contract was terminated by mutual consent.[15]
Sønderjyske Elitesport
Two days after he terminated his contract with Fulham FC, Matilla signed for SønderjyskE. He signed a three-year contract.[16] Mattila made his Superliga debut on 14 August 2016 in a match against Brøndby when on 64th minute he replaced Adama Guira as a substitute.[17]
Fredrikstad
On 29 July 2018, Mattila signed a contract with Fredrikstad.[18]
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