Last year, Teemu Tainio’s career was in doubt. Today, it has a bright, new future.

The oft-injured former Red Bull midfielder is going back home, signing a two year contract with four time Finnish Champions, HJK Helsinki.

The move is a major turnaround for Tainio, 33, who battled what was then considered a career ending tendon tear in his knee just last season.

Spending over half the year in rehab, the physical midfielder was able to battle his way back into the lineup. He made three appearances for the club in the first three games of 2012 before returning in early August. From there, he earned nine starts, including both playoff matches against DC United, and four appearances off the bench.

Tainio was a major part of the Red Bulls midfield configuration for the better part of his time in New York. Throughout 2011, his name was commonly in discussion amongst the best defensive midfielders in the league.

Tainio was released from the team in November.