Mercurial striker Darren Smith has opened up on his most challenging farewell, leaving him in tears, with mucus rolling. The Cape Town-born striker leaves FC Inter Turku on the back of a phenomenal season.
His departure from Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, has left a significant void in the hearts of fans and the club itself. His emotional farewell, marked by tears and heartfelt gratitude, underscores the profound impact he made during his time in Finland.
Smith’s two-year stint at Inter Turku was nothing short of extraordinary. The 28-year-old forward scored 19 goals in 38 matches across all competitions. Following his stellar season, he was crowned the Veikkausliiga Fan’s Player of the Season award.
His exceptional performances on the field and his warm and engaging personality endeared him to the fans. However, as all good things must come to an end, Smith’s time in Finland drew to a close.
The decision to leave was undoubtedly tricky, as he had formed deep bonds with the club, the fans and the community.
“Leaving Inter Turku a couple of days ago was probably the most challenging goodbye I’ve ever had to do,” Smith told FARPost. “I was crying, and mucus was falling; that’s how much I was crying because we’re leaving a country and a club that has been like home. The way people loved and showed love to me and my family, it’s inexplainable.”
WHY LEAVING INTER-TURKU WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT GOODBYE FOR DARREN SMITH
The former Ajax Cape Town youth player recalls how the Inter Turku fanbase celebrated every goal, every assist, and every victory with the team.
“These people wouldn’t care what your performance was like in a specific game, whether you did bad. The reception you get after the game, I would always make it my duty to go out and greet in the stands.
“That support is part of what drove me to do what I did this season. The way the people keep you going on the field. That chants you hear while you’re playing was so good for me.”
Smith’s words reflected the emotional toll of leaving such a supportive environment. He spoke of the tears he shed and the deep sense of gratitude he felt. The club had become more than just a place to play football; it had become a second home.
“Our daughter was born in Turku; it’ll always be a special place for us,” he added. “One day, we will take our daughter there and say this is where you were born.”
Eager to take on new challenges, he’s seeking opportunities to showcase his skills in foreign leagues beyond Finland.
Smith’s journey to Finnish football began five years ago when he left South Africa, where he had been part of SuperSport United. He initially joined Ekenäs IF in the second tier, making an immediate impact with 25 goal contributions in just 27 games.
Last season, he found the net 10 times and set up five more goals in 34 appearances. He made a solid start to the 2024 Finnish football season, playing a crucial role in FC Inter Turku’s LiigaCup triumph. The club also reached the Suomen Cup final and finished seventh in the league.
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