South African striker Darren Smith has returned to Finland with FC Inter Turku after leaving Botola Pro side ASFAR Rabat.
Smith, 26, has penned a two-year deal with the Veikkausliiga side, a domestic competition he holds a high reputation in already after stints with Ekenäs IF and Honka over two years.
He scored 31 goals and registered six assists in 61 games across all competitions for the two clubs before becoming the first South African to play in the Moroccan top flight.
“It’s great to be back in Finland. I always knew when I left the last time that I would come back here. It was only a matter of time,” Smith said upon his unveiling.
“Inter has always been a club that I have admired. The operation here is professional and the facilities are really top class, I am happy to have the opportunity here.”
While Smith’s stint in North Africa yielded the Throne Cup title, he was unable to secure regular game time due to his arrival in the January window, months, after the Finnish top-flight had completed as his match fitness, fell well short of the required standards.
FC Inter head coach Jarkko Wiss, is, however, confident he will live up to his expectations upon his return to the country.
“This is a really fast attacker who knows how to time his runs between the lines. He finishes with high quality and is an enthusiastic presser. Features simple link play with few touches.
“Finland is familiar to him and the series is familiar. It’s really great to have a long preseason with him after a difficult season in Morocco.”
