Teemu Pukki, the 36-year-old Finnish international forward, has officially revealed he will retire from professional football at the end of the current season. The player, who has become a national hero and is the all-time top scorer for his country, shared this decision via social media. Currently, he plays for Finnish side HJK, with just four matches remaining in his career.
In his farewell message, Pukki thanked the sport for all the experiences it has given him:
The time has come to say goodbye to professional football after this season. I have four games left in my career, and I want to win them. Football has given me so much more than I could ever have dreamed of as a young boy. Thanks to football, I’ve seen the world and experienced things I believe I couldn't have anywhere else.
Pukki also expressed gratitude to his clubs, coaches, teammates, and especially his family, whose support has allowed him to perform at the highest level for many years.
A golden chapter at Norwich City
For fans of Norwich City, Pukki will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic and influential players of modern times. After moving to the club from Danish side Brondby in 2018, the Finn had a phenomenal debut season. Scoring 29 goals in the Championship, he led the Canaries to victory in the tournament and promotion to the Premier League, also clinching the title of top scorer and Player of the Season.
The forward proved his class in the top tier too, netting 11 goals in each of his two full seasons in the Premier League. Over his time at Norwich, Pukki amassed an impressive 88 goals in 210 appearances across all competitions, earning himself a cult status among the supporters at Carrow Road.
