It was all about Teemu Pukki’s departure as Norwich’s season in the Championship came to an end. The Finn wore the captain’s armband, the home fans chanted his name – but Norwich were held to zero by second-place Blackpool.
He arrived as a free signing – and immediately created hysteria in his new hometown.
In five seasons, Teemu Pukki became a club icon at Norwich, the team’s fourth all-time top goalscorer.
During the seasons, the Finn has been unstoppable in the Championship and the main contributor to Norwich being tested in games in the Premier League in two replays. The fans were already deeply in love with their star striker when Sportliv visited the city in the spring of 2019.
It ended up being 210 games and 88 goals for Pukki in the “Canaries” shirt. Earlier in the spring, it was clear that the 33-year-old will leave the club when the contract expires this summer.
In the final home game of the season against Blackpool, there was no doubt who was the main character of the day.
The Finn was allowed to captain the farewell match in honor and was thanked with a tifo on the short side, with the text “Kiitos Teemu”. Finnish flags were also scattered around the stands, and the crowd chanted the name of their favorite player.
Replaced before tributes
The match itself was meaningless. Norwich had to settle for mid-table status in a lackluster season, with opponents Blackpool already on course for relegation.
Pukki, on the other hand, was eager to thank himself with a perfect hit. His teammates also actively sought him out, and the national team striker had some good chances to net in the first half.
Among other things, Pukki had a volley hit the post just a little while before the 22nd minute of the match, when the fans’ tributes were turned up for the Finn with number 22.
In the second half, there weren’t as many chances for the Finn, who was replaced in the 81st minute. Pukki was embraced by all his teammates on the pitch and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Next up is a new free transfer for the 33-year-old. The destination is unclear, but the Finn has said that he is eager for another adventure before a return home.
The article is being updated!
