Rokas Pukstas, the American footballer who spent six years at Hajduk, has officially left the Split club. The transfer of the 25-year-old player to English Championship side Middlesbrough is worth five million euros. Pukstas confirmed that the English club had sought to sign him the previous week, but he was unable to leave the team at that time due to his obligations to Hajduk.
His departure comes immediately after he played his final match for Hajduk. This was the second leg of the Conference League play-off against Polish side Rakow, played away in Poland. Hajduk won that match 2:3 in extra time, securing their place in the European competition. This marked Hajduk’s first appearance in European competitions in 16 years.
Alongside Pukstas, Ron Raci and Michele Šego scored for Hajduk in that crucial match. The squad was in serious trouble as Rakow equalised at 2:2 just three minutes before the end of regular time, with Mahir Emreli scoring the goal. Had it not been for Pukstas, Hajduk would not have managed to win in extra time.
Pukstas expressed deep gratitude and dedication after the match. Although the transfer had already been agreed, he emphasised that he would die for the team and that he prayed before every game. Recalling the preparations for that match, the American international revealed that he had attended mass a few days before the game, which gave him additional strength for the conclusion of his career at Hajduk.
