Bolton Wanderers Chairman Phil Gartside, Manager Gary Megson and a number of Wanderers first-team players and staff have paid tribute to Jussi Jaaskelainen ahead of the goalkeeper's testimonial match on Saturday afternoon.
The club will celebrate the 12 years of service that Jaaskelainen has offered to Bolton in the final match of pre-season against Hibernian.
Chairman Phil Gartside praised Jaaskelainen for his loyalty to the club and his family's great gesture in donating the proceeds of his testimonial to three charities.
He said: "Loyalty is a rare quality these days and Saturday is about honouring that loyalty, and it is typical of Jussi and Tessa that they want to give something back to their adopted town by donating the proceeds of his testimonial year to three local charities.
"I would like to thank Jussi and Tessa on behalf of myself and everyone at the club for his tremendous service and loyalty shown to the club."
Manager Gary Megson explained that Jaaskelainen's recruitment has been one of the best in recent times, saying: "The signing of Jussi by Colin Todd proved to be a fantastic piece of business as Jussi has emerged into the model professional."
Having been a colleague of Jussi Jaaskelainen for over a decade, Ricardo Gardner has played with the Finland international the longest since he joined the Whites from Harbour View in the summer of 1998.
Gardner said: "It's going to be a big day for Jussi. He has done fantastic for this club and has performed on every occasion that he has put on the Bolton Wanderers shirt. He deserves this day and we are all behind him.
"There are so many memorable moments - to be fair there is nearly a new one in every game! He always gives 110 percent and for that reason he is a quality goalkeeper and a fantastic person to work with."
Club captain Kevin Davies, a team mate of Jaaskelainen since 2003, deems the shot-stopper to be one of the finest in world football.
Davies said: "Jussi is an example to anyone - outfield or a goalkeeper. He hasn't become one of the best in the world by accident. It's by sheer grit and willpower.
"You don't tend to think goalkeepers work so hard, in fact when I started they tended to be a bit out of shape but they are athletes now.
"Jussi's always first in the gym after dropping the kids off and always first to training. If you watch him, he wants to be the best. His ability takes care of itself but you have never seen anyone work so hard at what they do."
And goalkeeping coach Fred Barber has worked with Jaaskelainen since the first day he joined the club, and he explained that the 34-year-old's attitude and commitment is the reason he has played at the top level for so long.
Barber said: "Jussi comes in everyday and isn't one to complain. Supporters only see Jussi for 90 minutes every weekend but it's his preparation and dedication beforehand which makes him the goalkeeper he is today.
"I always use him for the youngsters at my soccer schools or wherever I go all over the world as someone to look up to - he is the perfect example of where you've come from and where you can go."
Don't forget to purchase your souvenir match programme when you visit the Reebok Stadium this Saturday. This commemorative edition is packed with exclusive interviews and features, making it a 'must have' purchase. Click here for more details on what is included.
Tickets are also still available for the testimonial. Click here for information on prices and methods of purchase.
