Vladimir Coufal is not the type of character to hold a grudge, so West Ham United denying him a January switch to Premier League neighbours Fulham is a complaint he is keen not to get bogged down in.
Yet, by his own admission, the experienced right-back would have liked to see his future in England’s top-flight nailed down for a few more years.
West Ham United turned down an approach from Fulham during the January transfer window. Only a few months later, it was confirmed that Vladimir Coufal would be leaving the London Stadium upon the expiry of his contract.
Have the Hammers now scuppered the 31-year-old’s hopes of extending his stay on the Premier League stage? Well, that remains to be seen.
Fulham boss Marco Silva played down reports of a move for a new right-sided full-back recently, insisting that the priority is to extend Kenny Tete’s deal.
Coufal is still on Leeds United’s radar, though; his vast experience an attractive proposition for a newly-promoted club relatively short of top-flight nous.
Vladimir Coufal hopes for Premier League chance after West Ham United exit
Now, speaking to the media back home in Czech Republic, Coufal has opened up about his future plans for the first time.
The Fulham ship may have sailed for a footballer who would like to try his hand in Spain, though the former Slavia Prague defender has not given up hope of a Premier League lifeline.
“[West Ham turning down Fulham’s approach in January was] part of football. They told me they wouldn’t let me leave and I’ve gotten over it,” a mature and forgiving Coufal tells Idnes.
“I have a certain wish, but it probably won’t come true. There are preferences. It would be ideal to stay in England, that would be the priority, but there are other options. I would like Spain, where it’s warm.
“And the Czech league? I’m not talking about returning at all.”
While he will turn 33 in August, Coufal possesses more than enough defensive awareness and technical ability to keep going at the top level for another couple of years at least.
As far as his other out-of-contract West Ham teammates are concerned, Danny Ings could become Wrexham’s latest marquee arrival.
Aaron Cresswell is not ruling out an Ipswich Town homecoming, while Lukasz Fabianski is keen to keep playing well into his 40s even as the veteran Poland goalkeeper rejects a move to Legia Warsaw.
For the first time since 2017, meanwhile, Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek will not be sharing a dressing room at club level.
Teammates at Slovan Liberec, Slavia Prague and eventually West Ham, Soucek paid a stirring tribute to Coufal following the close of the Premier League campaign.
“Obviously, [Coufal] has been here for five years. It’s unbelievable, not only how he played but how he was successful. Since he came, he played like nearly every minute,” Soucek smiled.
“It’s unbelievable, and he was a massive part of all of these victories and successes. For me, he will be a big miss because we are together all the time around West Ham and around London.
“But, in this club, I am the luckiest one because I will still see him! I’ll see him next week! I think all West Ham should appreciate what he has done for the club.”
“In the training sessions, when I am in [Coufal’s] team, I always win! He’s like a warrior all the time. If we play table tennis, he’s a competitor! He wants to win all the time.”
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