Norwich City: Teemu Pukki interview with Iwan Roberts

On Pukki's arrival at Norwich.

Roberts: You had a good time at Brondby, scored plenty of goals. Why Norwich?

Pukki: It was a big decision for me. There were some clubs where I could go, but not something I was really interested in doing.

Then I got a call from my agent that Norwich were interested. First reaction was like 'Championship, no, that's not me'. But he said 'at least listen to what they have to say', and then I spoke with Stuart (Webber) and Daniel Farke.

I thought the Championship was just long balls and fighting, which is not my style of football. But after speaking with them, especially Daniel, how he explained the way Norwich played under him, I started feeling like it could be something I was interested in.

I spoke to my wife, and she was actually really supportive. We came here to see the facilities, and to talk with Daniel again. I was still expecting to go home after that trip, but I ended up staying here.

It was probably one of the best decisions I've made in my career. I've had an unbelieveable five years. It was a great decision to come here, and I'm really happy that I did.

On the celebrations after winning the Championship title in 2019.

Pukki: It was really good. I enjoyed being with the fans in the city, I'd never experienced anything like that, with the bus drive round the city, seeing the fans.

Roberts: We had a taste of that in 2004. It's the culimination of a lot of hard work and dedication and sacrifices. It's great to see the lads celebrating.

Pukki: I think my dad has all my trophies. He's collecting them, so it's nice for him that he can show [the golden boot] to his friends as well.

Pukki won the Championship in his first season at Carrow Road. (Image: PA)

On the famous 3-2 win over Manchester City in 2019.

Iwan: [Pukki's assist for Cantwell's opener] is a great ball. You've put it on a plate, and he's got a knife and fork with it as well!

Pukki: I was happier with my pass than my goal in this one. I think that was one of the best assists I ever gave.

Iwan: You see teams beat Man City in a different way, they get men behind the ball. But you went toe-to-toe with them. You played them at their own game. You squeezed up, put them under pressure.

Pukki: We tried to, and then in the last however many minutes we had to go back and just defend. I remember them bringing (Kevin) De Bruyne on for the last 20 or 30 minutes.

No one expected us to get anything, and then we beat them and played well. I'd count that as the best win I ever had at Norwich.

Iwan: I would have hit [Pukki's goal] first time, I'd have panicked!

Pukki: The first touch wasn't good enough, so I had to take one more!

The Finn scored the winning goal as Norwich beat Manchester City 3-2 in 2019. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

On Pukki's connection with Emi Buendia

Iwan: What was it between you two? Did you just click?

Pukki: Yeah, we just clicked. Obviously I can speak Spanish, so we could speak.

When he came his English was not that good, so I was trying to help him, and we could speak a bit more than he could with the other guys.

It just clicked from the beginning with Emi. He's such a good player.

Iwan: What a click.

Pukki formed a strong bond with Emi Buendia in his first three years at Norwich. (Image: PA)

Reflecting on Pukki's time at Norwich.

Iwan: I think I can speak for thousands of people that you'll always have a special place not only in Norwich, but Norfolk.

I know how hard it is to score goals. It's the hardest thing to do in the game. You've come here and you've absolutely smashed it.

It's been great watching you, the goals you've scored and the way you've conducted yourself. You're down to earth, you're a gentleman.

For five years you've been absolutely fantastic, not just for the football club but for Norwich as a city.

Pukki: Thank you. It's been the best five years of my life.

It's the best place you can live in the UK. To be part of this team, and to have the team-mates I've had, the friends I've made.

The fans as well, seeing women in their 70s and 80s who have had their season tickets for 50 years, that's something I can't even explain, to see how much this club means to some people.

This season hasn't been the best, but the memories will last forever. I'm so happy I made that decision.

Iwan: This is easy for me to say - you are the GOAT, my friend. You are the GOAT.