Former Celtic striker Teemu Pukki has confirmed his retirement from football.

Pukki, now an icon of the Finnish national team, was signed by Neil Lennon in 2013 as a direct replacement for Gary Hooper.

Despite scoring on his debut at Tynecastle and again on his home debut at Celtic Park, he struggled to pay back his £3 million fee, scoring seven goals in 32 appearances.

His career since has seen him establish himself in various European leagues, and at the age of 36, he has now called time on his playing days ahead of the end of the season in his native Finland.

Rate Callum Osmand's performance vs Hearts out of 10. Does he start against Celta Vigo?

Former Celtic striker Tony Watt has high praise for the 20-year-old 🙌

Pukki said on Instagram: “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 me to keep playing for such a long time. Thank you.”

Finland aren’t known for their footballing exploits, but Pukki ensured his legacy as a legend by helping them qualify for their first ever major tournament in EURO 2020.

He is their all-time top-goalscorer, and ranks second behind Ajax legend Jari Litmanen in terms of all-time caps.

Across his career as a whole, he has scored 237 goals. That includes 88 at Norwich City, where he became a fan favourite after his spell in Glasgow. He has also played for Sevilla, Brondby and Schalke, from whom Celtic signed him.