Teemu Pukki, Norwich City’s celebrated striker, has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an illustrious chapter with the Finland national team to a close. The 35-year-old will don the national shirt for the final time during the upcoming international break in November, where he is set to feature in matches against Malta and Andorra.
Pukki departs the international scene as Finland's all-time leading goalscorer, a title he claimed by surpassing the legendary Jari Litmanen in 2021. His international career began with a debut in 2002, culminating in an impressive 131 caps, which includes a memorable appearance at the European Championships in 2021.
Reflecting on his time representing Finland during a press conference earlier this week, Pukki stated, "It has been a great honour to wear the Finnish shirt for many matches and many years. Now the time has come for this to be the last (national team) camp for me." His words resonate with the pride he feels for his contributions to the national side.
The forward expressed deep satisfaction with his achievements, saying, "I am really proud of everything I have been able to do in the Finnish shirt. There will certainly be a couple of emotional matches, but I feel like it is the right time to leave the field to the younger players." He revealed that the decision to retire had been on his mind for some time, sharing, "I made the final decision during the fall. I already talked to Jacob (Friis) at the last camp. I had been thinking for a long time about when the right moment would be, and now it felt like it."
Pukki also acknowledged the national team’s role in his life, particularly during challenging seasons at club level. "The national team has also been a kind of refuge, especially if things haven't been going so well for the club team. Of course, I will miss the games too," he admitted.
Since returning to his roots with Finnish side HJK Helsinki after a stint in the MLS with Minnesota United, Pukki has continued to showcase his scoring ability. Since rejoining his first club in January, he has netted 21 goals in 38 appearances, including a goal in the qualifying rounds of the European Conference League.
As he prepares to step away from international play, Pukki will shift his focus back to his club career, with his 36th birthday approaching in March. His five-year tenure at Carrow Road is what many fans will remember him for, having secured two Championship titles, scored 22 goals in the Premier League, and received two Player of the Season awards.
Pukki's legacy at Norwich City is firmly established, ranking fourth on the club's all-time goalscoring list with 88 goals in 210 appearances, trailing only Iwan Roberts, Terry Allcock, and Johnny Gavin. As he transitions away from international football, Norwich supporters will undoubtedly cherish the memories forged during his remarkable career.