Kotka residents praise retiring football star Teemu Pukki

Kotka residents have praised footballer Teemu Pukki for his career and his connection to the city, Yle reports. Pukki announced this week that he will retire after the current season.

The player from Kotka has four Veikkausliiga matches remaining with Helsinki club HJK, which is aiming to win the Finnish championship. Pukki has said he hopes to play in Kotka again after retiring, perhaps in a charity match.

Risto Vuorenpalo said he was not a particular football fan but had followed Pukki’s career, including his years in England. Matti Leppänen said Pukki’s international career was familiar to him, adding that people readily associate the player with Kotka.

Six-year-old Oliver Vuorenpalo, wearing a KTP beanie, said: “He’s pretty good at football. He does a lot of sports and is a nice player. It’s nice that he has lived in Kotka.” Oliver also named Argentina’s Lionel Messi as one of his favourite players.

Kotka has no new plans to recognise Pukki, according to Yle. In 2011, the city named an outdoor sports facility in the Hirssaari neighbourhood Teemu Pukki Arena. It has a ball court, exercise equipment and a board describing Pukki’s achievements.

Risto Vuorenpalo and Leppänen said the city could honour Pukki further by supporting junior football or improving sports facilities. Leppänen said he was pleased with the arena naming.