Former Celtic striker announces retirement from professional football

The 36-year-old, currently playing for HJK Helsinki in his homeland, has confirmed he will hang up his boots following the club’s remaining four fixtures as they battle Inter Turku for the Veikkausliiga title.

Pukki’s final appearance is expected to come against Oulu on November 8, bringing an end to a career that included spells in Scotland, England, Denmark and the United States.

Announcing his decision on social media, the former Celtic forward said: “The time has come for me to say farewell to professional football after this season. I have four games left with HJK in my career, and I want to win them all.

“Football has given me so much more than I could ever have dreamed of as a little boy. Thanks to football, I have had the opportunity to see the world and gain experiences that I don’t believe anything else could have given me.

“It hasn’t always been fun, and there have been times when I haven’t been able to enjoy it, but my love for football has always been there.

“I want to say a huge thank you to all the clubs and fans, as well as to everyone I have been part of a team with – the coaches, staff and, of course, the magnificent teammates with whom I have shared the dressing room.

“My warmest thanks go to my family and everyone else close to me. You have given me all your support and, in doing so, made it possible for m”

Pukki joined Celtic from Schalke in a deal worth approximately £3million in 2013, but struggled to establish himself as a regular goalscorer at Parkhead.

The Finnish international managed nine goals in 37 appearances during his time with the Hoops before departing for Brondby, where he began to rediscover his goalscoring form.

He subsequently enjoyed the most successful period of his career at Norwich City, becoming a prolific scorer in English football before moving to MLS outfit Minnesota United.

Pukki eventually returned to Finland with HJK, the club where he previously played earlier in his career.