Czech Republic international Vladimir Coufal has admitted there’s excitement behind the scenes at West Ham United following the arrival of compatriot and new shareholder Daniel Kretinsky, speaking to iSPORT.
Completing his purchase of 27 per cent of the Premier League high-flyers this afternoon, it’s a week that just keeps getting better for Hammers fans.
David Moyes’ brilliantly well-drilled side stunned Liverpool at the London Stadium on Sunday, moving to within touching distance of table-topping Chelsea. Now they have a new billionaire on board – one with big plans and an even bigger bank balance.
“I am passionate about football. I greatly appreciate and respect the exceptional history and tradition of West Ham United as well as its loyal and passionate supporter base,” says Kretinsky, who is expected to propose a partnership between the Hammers and his other club, Sparta Prague.
“The development and growth of the club in recent years has been clear for everyone to see and I am delighted to be part of what I believe is a very exciting future.”
How far can West Ham go with Kretinsky on board?
And while former Slavia right-back Coufal admits he knows little about Kretinsky apart from his connection with the defender’s former Prague neighbours, he insists added ambition is no bad thing for a club on the up.
“Mr Kretinsky was at our match against Liverpool. He is a man who has money and seems to want to buy a stake in the club where I play. I don’t see any problem with that,” Coufal says.
“All players should be grateful to the owners. I am glad there will be another Czech at West Ham.
“I think so,” Coufal adds when asked whether Kretinsky will be welcomed warmly at West Ham.
“What I’ve seen from the reaction is enthusiasm for his passion for football. The very next day after the news came out on Sky Sports, I heard some jokes, custodians and physiotherapists kneeling in front of me and begging me to contact him, asking who he was, how rich he was.
“I said he really liked football and his eventual arrival wouldn’t have to be bad at all.”
West Ham already have three Czech stars – Coufal, Tomas Soucek and Alex Kral. And it would be no surprise to see the likes of Lukas Masopust and Adam Hlozek arrive in 2022.
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