Poborsky signs for Sparta

Czech international midfield player Karel Poborsky signed a one-year contract with AC Sparta Praha today.

Unhappy season
The 33-year-old, who left S.S. Lazio as a free agent despite their desire to keep him, had indicated his wish to return to the Czech capital, where he formerly played for SK Slavia Praha. He has had an unhappy season in Rome, where he was heckled by fans and his car was among those vandalised at training by Lazio fans earlier this season following their 5-1 defeat by local rivals AS Roma.

'Nothing to think about'
Lazio's new coach, Roberto Mancini, tried to persuade Poborsky to stay at the club. "It was Mancini who brought me to Lazio, but I already had nothing to think about. I had given my promise to Sparta long ago. I have been abroad for a long time and mainly my family wanted to go home," Poborsky said.

'New motivation'
Poborsky recently surprised his followers by announcing that his playing career was at an end. However, he subsequently said it was only due to temporary disillusionment. "I have new motivation now. I hope that I will not leave Letná stadium by the backdoor." "We have a young team, so we need mostly experienced players and Poborsky is such type," said Sparta's president Vlastimil Kostal.

Unforgettable goal
Poborsky left the Czech Republic in 1996 after helping Slavia win the Premiership and the national team reach the final of EURO 96™. His performances in that competition, including an unforgettable lobbed goal in the match against Portugal, earned him a move to English champions Manchester United FC. However, he failed to make an impact in the FA Premiership and was loaned to SL Benfica two years later, eventually joining Lazio in 2001.

EURO 96™ reunion
It has also been reported that Sparta representatives are close to winning the signatures of further members of the EURO 96™ team, including Petr Kouba and former national captain Jiri Nemec.