Teemu Pukki retires from professional football

Finnish footballer Teemu Pukki has officially retired from his professional career following his final match with HJK Helsinki against AC Oulu. The 36-year-old striker concluded his career as HJK finished second in the Veikkausliiga, after FC Inter secured the championship.

Pukki, one of Finland’s most successful players, holds the record as the all-time leading scorer for the Finnish national team, the Huuhkajat, with 43 goals in 133 appearances. His career included significant stints abroad, notably in the English Championship with Norwich City, the Scottish Premiership with Celtic, and the Danish league with Brøndby IF, as well as time in Spain with Sevilla, Germany with Schalke, and the United States with Minnesota United.

Reflecting on his career, Pukki expressed gratitude for his journey in football. He noted that while the final match was emotionally charged, he looks forward to spending more time with his family.