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Birth of Triplets Changed Sakari Mattila's Life: 'Bags Under My Eyes Grew and Hair Fell Out'
🇫🇮 Finland /Culture & Society

Birth of Triplets Changed Sakari Mattila's Life: 'Bags Under My Eyes Grew and Hair Fell Out'

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Former professional footballer Sakari Mattila found his life transformed seven years ago with the birth of his triplets.
  • The birth coincided with a career-ending knee injury, leading Mattila to transition from sports to a career in real estate.
  • He now works as a real estate agent, leveraging his diverse experiences from his football career and finding fulfillment in helping athletes manage their finances.

Sakari Mattila, a former professional footballer, experienced a profound life change seven years ago with the unexpected arrival of triplets. This significant personal event occurred just as his athletic career was facing a major setback due to a knee injury, prompting thoughts of retirement.

The most touching moment came seven years ago when Mattila's Norwegian wife Kristine gave birth to triplets.

Describing the pivotal personal event in Sakari Mattila's life.

Mattila was playing in Norway when he suffered a cruciate ligament tear. He considers it fortunate that this happened shortly before his daughters were born. He spent four months with his premature triplets in the hospital, allowing him to be present as a supportive father during his own recovery. Despite the challenges, including sleepless nights in the first year, he cherishes the hospital experience.

In hindsight, it was a blessing from God, because two weeks after the girls were born, I was in surgery. We were able to spend four months together in the hospital because the children were born quite prematurely.

— Sakari MattilaReflecting on the timing of his injury and his daughters' birth, allowing him to be present during his recovery.

After recovering, Mattila briefly continued his football career with HIFK in Finland. However, the team's relegation from the top league, coupled with his body's wear and tear, led him to hang up his boots permanently after the 2022 season. The lower division no longer motivated him, and he preferred to stay near the capital region.

The sports world thickened my skin so that I don't get easily startled.

— Sakari MattilaExplaining how his athletic background prepared him for the challenges of his new career.

Lacking formal vocational training, Mattila followed in the footsteps of his mother and grandmother, pursuing a career in real estate. He began preparing for this transition two years before retiring from football, studying industry materials and legal texts. He found meeting clients face-to-face to be the most rewarding aspect of his new profession. Mattila believes his sports background, which toughened him and exposed him to diverse cultures and languages, has been invaluable in his new role, particularly in building trust with fellow athletes regarding their financial decisions.

Many top athletes spar with me about housing matters and their investment portfolios. That has given me a strong sense of accomplishment.

— Sakari MattilaHighlighting his success and fulfillment in assisting other athletes with financial decisions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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