Former Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki has once again showcased his scoring ability, playing a pivotal role in HJK Helsinki's triumph in the Suomen Cup. The 35-year-old forward netted his 19th goal of the season, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over KuPS in a tightly contested final. This victory marks HJK’s first domestic cup win since 2020.
Pukki, who earned legendary status during his five-year spell at Carrow Road, demonstrated his clinical finishing with a precise strike from close range. His remarkable contributions were vital in Norwich’s consecutive Championship title wins under manager Daniel Farke, where he found the net an impressive 88 times in 210 appearances. Read more about Canaries Crumble as Wrexham Hand Norwich Heavy Defeat.
As HJK prepares for their upcoming league clash against league leaders Inter Turku, Pukki's latest achievement has sparked celebrations online, with congratulations flooding in from former teammates such as Emi Buendia, Max Aarons, and Adam Idah.
In a recent interview with Finnish broadcaster Ruutu, Pukki reflected on his victory, expressing his desire for continued success. “This is why I came here, that I want to win. We haven't won any championships in a while, so this is a great feeling,” he stated. “There's still a lot to play for in the Veikkausliiga, but you always have to remember to celebrate when you win something.”
He added, “The whole season could be good after a difficult early season. I believed that things could be won and this was a difficult match but we fought and we got the victory, because that's how it is - finals are always difficult.”
Pukki's transition from Norwich to HJK has been noteworthy. He joined Norwich in 2018 on a free transfer from Brøndby and quickly became a fan favourite, earning the Championship Player of the Season award and the Golden Boot during Norwich's 2018/19 title-winning campaign. He made history as the first Norwich player in 26 years to score a Premier League hat-trick, achieving this against Newcastle in August 2019.
His prolific partnership with Buendia allowed Pukki to finish his Norwich career fourth on the club's all-time scoring list. After departing the Canaries in 2023, he spent 17 months in Major League Soccer with Minnesota United. Read more about Stacey Demands Urgent Home Improvement as Canaries Stumble.
As Pukki continues to make headlines back in Finland, Norwich City supporters can take immense pride in the legacy he established at Carrow Road. His pursuit of further accolades remains strong, and his journey is one that fans will undoubtedly follow with great interest.