“It’s possible” – West Ham star reveals future plan, postponed for now despite growing idea

He’s been a regular for them since joining in 2020, initially signing on loan from Slavia Prague in the January transfer window that year before then making the move permanent that summer in a €16.2m deal.

He’s gone on to make 234 appearances for the club since then, scoring 37 goals and registering 12 assists and is likely to add to that tally considerably with his current contract running until 2027.

At 30-years-old he still has plenty of years left on the pitch, but he’s already got his eye on life after the game, and admitted he is considering investing in a football club back in his nature Czech Republic.

“I’m not saying it won’t happen. It is quite possible,” he said when asked about buying either Viktoria Žižkov or Havlíčkův Brod.

“The possibility is there, but I’m putting it off for a few years now. I’m talking about it now with Jiri, rather friendly, what it would be like to play the real Football Manager.

“I think my name could help me with sponsors, for example with Viktorka, who are in Prague. I also watch the third leagues, where I know some faces I’ve played with. Then I watch the division in Havlíčkův Brod.”