A homecoming will conclude the 2022/23 season for Tomáš Souček.
A night that the Czech international wanted so badly was secured by Pablo Fornals’ late winner at AZ Alkmaar. A goal that saw the Irons beat the Dutch side 3-1 on aggregate after a 2-1 win at London Stadium last week.
Prague awaits, then.
“I am going home,” he enthused, as the Hammers reached the UEFA Europa Conference League final. “It was one of the most difficult games of my career I knew that this final was in my home, so it was tough to think about. But I have to thank all my teammates for what they did tonight and all the fans for their support.
“From the start of the competition, I knew it was Prague and we had to get there. And we are there now. I am very emotional and look forward to it. We are in the final!”
Souček has of course been instrumental in the Hammers’ rise under the stewardship of David Moyes. An 2020 arrival, the Czech has seen a sixth and seventh Premier League finish and now a European final – the Club’s first in 47 years.
“We did well last year but we couldn’t get the final piece,” the Czech stated. “We still have a bit to go but we all want to win this trophy. It is a massive result for us and we are ready to be in the final. We can celebrate tonight but we have to get ready for the two Premier League games and then the final.
“AZ were a very good team. At our home, they were very good too and very organised. This is the most difficult opponent we have played in the competition, but it is the semi-final, so they have also achieved a lot. But I am so happy we beat them and got to the final.”
But what can the Claret and Blue Army expect from Prague, then?
“It is the best city in the world,” Souček stated. “All English fans will love it. I know it is not the biggest stadium, but it is great. People look forward to welcoming West Ham too because since me and Vlad joined the Club, they have started to follow West Ham. We will have the whole of the Czech Republic behind us.”
