Ex-Celt Teemu Pukki retires from international football

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The Celtic Star

·6 November 2025

Ex-Celt Teemu Pukki retires from international football

Former Celtic forward Teemu Pukki has declared his retirement from international football, ending a 15-year career with Finland…

Teemu Pukki celebrates. Celtic v Hibs, 14 December 2013. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

The HJK striker – returning for a second stint in Helsinki – has decided to retire from international duty, with his farewell fixtures scheduled later this month against Malta and Andorra.

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Teemu Pukk. Phto HJK Helsinki FC

Speaking via HJK’s official website, Pukki said: “The Finnish national team and putting on the national team jersey has always been the biggest thing for me as a footballer. I have been proud to do it in the A national team for 16 years.

“There have been many matches and goals, but now feels like the right time to stop in these circles and leave the responsibility to the younger players.”

Teemu Pukki celebrates. Celtic v Hibs, 14 December 2013. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

Since debuting for Finland in 2009 under manager Stuart Baxter against Japan, Pukki has earned 131 caps and netted 42 goals, making him the nation’s all-time leading scorer.

He signed with Celtic in 2013 under Neil Lennon, spending two seasons in Scotland before transferring to Brondby after a productive loan period with the Danish club.

During his only full season with the Scottish champions, he tallied seven goals in 32 appearances, added two more the next season, and then left for Denmark.

He is arguably most renowned for his five years at Norwich City, where he featured in more than 200 matches and scored 88 goals across all competitions for the Canaries.

26.01.2014 Teemu Pukki scores for Celtic during the Scottish Premier League game between Hibernian and Celtic from Easter Road. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

After his time in England, he joined MLS club Minnesota United before eventually returning to Finland to play for HJK.

At national team level despite winnable games against Malta and Andorra on the horizon in Pukki’s final two matches, it appears that Finland’s hopes of reaching next summer’s World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada are gone. Finland are three points behind Poland in second place and have played a game more meaning even a playoff looks near impossible.

At club level, Pukki’s HJK currently sit fifth in the Finish League table after 31 matches, 15 points behind league leaders KUPS.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, signed copies by Danny McGrain available from celticstarbooks.com

Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final book. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain PLUS you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, and you’ll only be charged for postage on one book. Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books