Vladimír Coufal heads back to the Czechia for international duty with a smile of a champion.
Just over a week ago, the battling full-back played his part in a historic night for West Ham United, one that ended with a 2-1 win over Fiorentina and a UEFA Europa Conference League triumph after Saïd Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen struck in Prague.
A match in his home nation is one that will live long in Coufal’s memory as he returns to Czechia for a pair of UEFA Euro international qualifiers.
“This is such a big moment in West Ham’s history,” he stated, speaking amongst the celebrations last week. “It’s beautiful. Everybody in the Club deserves it and that it has happened in Prague is even more emotional for me. It is massive. We win the games for the Czech Republic and then I will drink for a month.”
Before the celebrations can truly start then, Coufal will play for Czechia alongside Tomáš Souček.
With qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2024 continuing this month all across Europe, the 'Czech mates' have been selected by their country to take on Faroe Irelands and Montenegro in two crucial fixtures.
Having missed out on a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals, there is no doubt the duo are primed and focused to reach a major tournament this time around.
Two wins over the break would cap what has been an emotional few weeks.
“I think it was written in the stars for me and Tomáš from when we moved to West Ham,” Coufal beamed. “I don’t know how to describe this journey. It has been magnificent.
"[In the build-up to the game] when I saw on social media what is happening in the last few days in Prague, in the town square, everywhere was full of West Ham fans, I was so proud. They all deserve it!
“We won 14 games from the 15 and one draw, so it is not 100 per cent but we take that. And against Fiorentina, it was all about winning the game, and we did it!
“It is magnificent and I appreciate it so much. When I finish my career, I will always be connected with the West Ham community and I will be visiting West Ham games regularly with my wife, of course!”
