The combative midfielder started his career for HJK Helsinki - the city where he was born - before moving to Palace via a couple of years in Norway playing for Valerenga. His all action style soon endeared him to the Palace faithful and was the only squad member from Palace's last gasp relegation decider against Stockport to also play as Palace triumphed over West Ham in the Play-off final in 2004. Riihilhti performed admirably for Palace in their doomed attempt to stay in the Premier League before injuries eventually took their hold and released in 2006. Fondly remembered by his first name, Aki went on to make sixty nine international appearances for Finland before calling it a day back at HJK Helsinki in 2011.
