Estonian Premium Liiga side FC Kuressaare have announced that their long-time captain and defensive leader Märten Pajunurm will retire from professional football at the end of the current season.
The 32-year-old central defender, who has represented Kuressaare for the past seven consecutive seasons in his second spell with the club, has been one of the cornerstones of the team. This season, Pajunurm has made 32 league appearances, contributing seven goals.
In a statement published on the club’s official website, Pajunurm reflected on his decision:
“I believe and feel that the right time has finally come to end my football career. Exactly 25 years ago, I went to my first football training session in Rapla, and it has been an incredibly amazing journey. Right now, my full focus is on finishing the season successfully so that FC Kuressaare can continue competing at the highest level of Estonian football. Unfortunately, the schedule didn’t allow for a farewell match at Saaremaa, but I’m sure there will be other opportunities to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this long and remarkable journey. I’ll share more about the end of my career after the season, but for now, I hope to see everyone supporting the team in the final matches!”
FC Kuressaare CEO Martin Tammel expressed his gratitude for Pajunurm’s immense contribution to the club:
“Märten Pajunurm has not just been a player – he has been the heart of FC Kuressaare. His dedication, professionalism, and leadership have helped shape this team into a united and formidable opponent for every Premium Liiga club. We are deeply grateful to him. Even though he will leave the pitch, we know that FC Kuressaare will always remain in his heart – and he in ours.”
Pajunurm began his career at the Flora Academy and later on joined the island side team and made his Kuressaare debut in 2011. Over the years, he has also represented several other Estonian clubs, including FC Elva, Warrior Valga, and Paide Linnameeskond, while also spending a few seasons in the United States, where he played college soccer.
Across 12 seasons with FC Kuressaare, Pajunurm has amassed an impressive 319 appearances and 65 goals.
Pajunurm’s final career match will take place next Sunday at Kadriorg Stadium in Tallinn, where FC Kuressaare will wrap up their Premium Liiga season with an away fixture against JK Tallinna Kalev.
