Kouba goes back to Sparta

Former Czech Republic international goalkeeper Petr Kouba has returned to AC Sparta Praha.

Six-year absence
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has come back to the Letná stadium after a six-year absence on a free transfer from FK Jablonec 97 and has signed a three-year deal with Sparta.

Move to Spain
Kouba joined Spanish side RC Deportivo La Coruña after winning the silver medal with the Czech Republic at the 1996 UEFA European Championship in England but he played only six matches before spending an unsuccessful loan spell with 1. FC Kaiserslautern.

International experience
The goalkeeper came back to the 1. liga after a long period out through injury last year and helped Jablonec to ninth spot in the table. He won his 40th and, for the present, last cap in the friendly match against England at Wembley in November 1998.

EURO 96™ veterans
Kouba is second member of the EURO 96™ to return to Sparta this summer after the signing of Karel Poborský from S.S. Lazio. His arrival may clear the way for current Sparta goalkeeper Petr Cech to move abroad. The hero of the 2002 UEFA European Under-21 Championship-winning side has been linked with moves to Arsenal FC and Fulham FC in the English FA Premiership.