Palace in Riihilahti exit hint

Crystal Palace midfielder Aki Riihilahti looks set to leave Selhurst Park this summer.

Crystal Palace midfielder Aki Riihilahti looks set to leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season.

Eagles' director of football Bob Dowie has hinted that the 29-year-old is likely to return to his native Finland this summer, after five years at Palace.

Riihilahti has had a frustrating campaign this season with injuries hampering his progress, and asked to delay contract negotiations until June, when his current deal expires.

"Aki intimated that he wants to go back to Finland at the end of the summer," Dowie confirmed to the Croydon Guardian.

"He may change his mind but at the moment we are waiting for him to confirm where he will be next year."

The Finn has become a popular figure at Crystal Palace during his time in England, and assistant manager Neil McDonald feels he still has a big part to play in the remaining games of the season.

"Aki is an important member of this football club," said McDonald.

"When he plays he does a decent job and complements other players when he does his thing.

"He'll be a vital player for us in the season run-in."

If he does depart this summer, Riihilahti will be looking to help Palace gain promotion to The Premiership before he signs off.