Aleksi Saarela revealed: these reasons led to TPS switching to Lukko

The lock confirmed on Saturday a long-rumored agreement, as Aleksi Saarela returns to the ranks of the Rauma team.

Saarela’s contract with Lukko is for two years but includes a clause for moving abroad after the 2026–27 season.

– We had good and constructive discussions with Kalle, Lämä, and Rafa – after those, my feelings were further strengthened, and it was an easy decision to make a contract with Lukko.

– I didn’t come here to bow down, but to put the puck in the net and win, Saarela said in the club’s announcement.

The forward also elaborated on the reasons why he wanted to return to Rauma.

– Returning to Rauma is a big and important thing for me. Now there was an opportunity to come back home and finally play in the same team as my brother. If it’s not quite a dream come true, it’s always been a secret wish to play with Antti.

– In addition, the team is good, and it’s easy to come back to a familiar environment, so I can’t really think of a better setup and motivation at this point than this, Saarela said.