Niki Maenpaa

Niki Emil Antonio Maenpaa (Finnish pronunciation: [ˈniki ˈmaempaː]; born 23 January 1985) is a Finnish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Venezia and the Finland national team. Maenpaa was born in Espoo, Finland. He began his senior club career playing for Lens Reserves, before signing with Den Bosch at age 21 in 2006.

Maenpaa made his international debut for Finland in June 2008, at the age of 23, and has since had over 20 caps, including appearing in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Club Career

RC Lens

He started his senior career at Lens Reserves in 2003. During winter 2006 transfer window, he joined Telstar on loan until the end of the season. He did not feature in any Ligue 1 match in the first team of RC Lens. His contract with Lens expired on 30 June 2006.

FC Den Bosch

During summer 2006, he joined Dutch Eerste Divisie side FC Den Bosch on a free transfer. He made his breakthrough in season 2006–07 when he played 27 league matches. He made a total of 67 league appearances during 3 seasons. His contract with FC Den Bosch expired in summer 2009.

Willem II

In summer 2009, he joined Dutch Eredivisie side Willem II on a free transfer, making 18 league appearances. He left Willem II in summer 2011, by terminating his contract after they got relegated to Eerste Divisie.

AZ Alkmaar

On 3 October 2011, he joined AZ Alkmaar on a free transfer on a contract until the end of the season, joining compatriot and team captain Niklas Moisander. However at AZ, he found himself demoted to third-choice, behind Esteban Alvarado and the veteran Erik Heijblok. He left the club after only one season, without making a single appearance for the AZ's first team.

VVV-Venlo

On 29 May 2012 it was announced that Maenpaa had signed a three-year contract with fellow Eredivisie side VVV-Venlo. Despite being sent off 3 minutes into his deb

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