Teemu Pukki is preparing for the last Huuhkajat game of his career.
Teemu Pukki settles down on the sofa in the lobby of a hotel in Tampere.
A wry smile spreads across the face. This is the last press conference of his national team career.
Maybe that’s why Puki is in no hurry.
And he wasn’t in a hurry on Friday either. After the match against Malta, the attacker made a tour of honor and stayed to listen to Pohjoikaarte’s farewell.
– The whole day was really emotional. The Olympic Stadium is of course the home of the national team, and I wanted to be able to play there again, Pukki told Iltalehte.
Pukki got on the field in the 78th minute in the Malta game that ended the World Cup qualification, when he jumped onto the grass by Benjamin Källman in place of.
– Yes, there was a tear in my eye quite a few times during the day, but it actually happened for the first time when the exchange took place. Then after the game there was a little breakdown.
– Maybe that’s part of it. It’s okay to cry sometimes.
Dad is still thinking
There is one more Huuhkajat farewell ahead. Pukki is in the opening game when Finland meets Andorra at the Tammela football stadium on Monday.
The first snow had already fallen in Tampere. Jussi Saarinen
– I think that even then emotions will surface. It’s hard to plan how it will go. You’ll see it then. I look forward to it.
Naturally, they arrive in Tampere Cherry-wife and the family’s three children, as well as the player’s sisters and their families.
– Mother is coming, but father is still thinking. He prefers to watch games from the sofa at home.
Tero Pukin there may be a more emotional reason for the possible absence. She may shy away from tears for her son more.
– I think there can be some at home, the boy laughs.
It started in Japan
Teemu Pukki started his Huuhkajat career at the Japanese camp in February 2009. He came to the field Jari Litmanen instead in the match, which ended with a 5–1 crushing victory for the hosts.
– I remember that Climb [Porokara] scored a goal. I came in quite well. There must have been some bet. Japan was damn good, and we were really into exports there.
– It was not an ideal debut. The readings were pretty ugly.
Now, 132 matches later, it comes to an end. Only Litmanen remains ahead of Puk in the number of international matches [137]but in goals [42] no one can even come close.
Teemu Pukki will say farewell to Pohjoikaarte already in the Malta game. IMPORTING PIRJO / EPA / AOP
In addition, Tampere still has the opportunity to beautify the readings.
– Yes, I want to score. They haven’t been in the national team for a while now, says Pukki.
– However, Litti is the biggest name. It is fitting that he has the most international matches left. I’m happy with my own games.
No enthusiasm to become a coach
Pukki is reasonably sure that he will not follow his teammate Tim Sparvin footprints. After all, he doesn’t feel any attraction to coaching.
– It’s nice that Tim is helping here. I already noticed when he was playing that he has coaching qualities. I might not notice it, Pukki laughs.
– I don’t see myself becoming a coach after my career. It’s not my thing. Of course, I’ll come here to say hi to the guys.
Pukki held the last press conference of his Huuhkajat career at Pyynik. Jussi Saarinen
Ending his national team career frees up many weeks for Puki with his family. In addition, it is an important aid in the recovery of the 35-year-old athlete.
– I have noticed that this year has been physically tough. Even on these trips, we train pretty hard. This is no vacation.
– Next year, I hope there will be more energy for the Veikkausliiga games as well.
Pukki leaves a great legacy for Suomi-football.
– Representing the national team has always been the biggest thing for me. I am grateful for this whole journey.