Teemu Pukki announces retirement from professional football

Finnish striker Teemu Pukki has announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the current season. The 36-year-old, who is currently playing for HJK Helsinki, shared the news via social media, stating, “It is time for me to say goodbye to professional football after this season.”

Pukki has four matches remaining in his career and expressed a desire to win them all, potentially securing a final Finnish championship title with HJK. He noted that while football has provided him with immense opportunities to see the world, he also wishes to spend more time with his family.

Throughout his distinguished career, Pukki became Finland's all-time leading goalscorer with 43 goals in 133 appearances. He enjoyed significant success abroad, most notably with Norwich City, where he helped the club achieve two promotions to the Premier League and was named Championship top scorer in the 2018-19 season. His career also included stints at clubs such as Schalke 04, Sevilla, Celtic, Brøndby IF, and Minnesota United.