Jussi Jaaskelainen has announced his retirement from international football.

The Wanderers goalkeeper has decided to hang up his gloves with the Finland national team.

Jaaskelainen made his debut for his country against Malta in 1998. He bows out having earned 55 caps with his last coming in the recent 1-1 draw in Germany.

Jaaskelainen said: "I am proud of what I achieved with Finland over the last 11 years.

"I have considered this decision long and hard, and I believe that it is now the right time to give younger Finnish goalkeepers the chance to play on the international stage, so it looks like I am not going to be with the team when the qualifiers start for the 2012 European Championships.

"There have been players like Brad Friedel, Jamie Carragher and Paul Scholes who have benefited by retiring from international football, and I hope that my decision will allow me to continue performing for Bolton Wanderers for many years to come."

For the full interview with Jussi Jaaskelainen, who looks back on his international career, don't forget to pick up your official matchday programme when Chelsea visit the Reebok Stadium this coming Saturday.