West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal has revealed that he is delighted with “absolutely amazing” Europa Conference League success.
Defender, Coufal played in the entirety of West Ham’s 2-1 victory over Fiorentina to end a 58-year wait for European success, which came at his former stadium – Fortuna Arena where he played home games as a Slavia Prague player prior to his move to the Hammers in October 2020.
Jarrod Bowen scored a 90th minute winner for the Hammers after Said Benrahma’s penalty had been cancelled out by Giacomo Bonaventura.
“Wow! I am full of emotion,” commented Coufal as he proceeded to reflect on achieving European glory at the stadium of one of his former teams, as he continued: “To celebrate at this stadium, where I won a lot of games, a lot of trophies [is amazing], but this is the special one.
“This is the European trophy. It means so much for me to lift it at this stadium.”
Coufal also revealed to whufc.om that he is still digesting their triumph as he added: “I still cannot believe we won this trophy. It’s absolutely amazing.”
Coufal even acknowledged the passionate support of West Ham fans who travelled even without tickets, as he added: “For the West Ham fans, I saw how dedicated they were when two days before the game, they travelled to Prague, even without tickets.
“So this is for all of them and we are making history now. The party is going!”
Bowen’s sixth goal of their Europa Conference League campaign proved to be the matchwinner to end 58 years of heartbreak, with Coufal proud of his teammate’s performance.
“Jarrod has scored very important goals this year and our fans sing he is on fire, so it’s absolutely perfect,” continued Coufal as he praised Bowen for his late winner which made the win “even better because Fiorentina didn’t have enough time to react from this goal.”
Coufal iterated that this title success is for everyone who supports the club either as a staff member or fan, as he added: “I think all West Ham supporters and every member of staff, all people at the Club, they deserve this beautiful trophy.
“We have a beautiful group of players and to win this trophy, to lift it above our heads, was absolutely massive.”
Captain, Declan Rice is rumoured to leave the club this summer amidst interest from Arsenal but Coufal is “grateful” to the England international, especially given how crucial Rice has been throughout the season and particularly in the club’s successful battle to avoid relegation from Premier League.
This evening (8 June) sees the Hammers conduct an open-top bus tour of East London to mark their European success, getting underway from 7pm at the club’s former home – Upton Park.
Coufal is excited to return home and participate in the celebrations as he added: “It won’t just be one day of celebration, it will be madness and I’m really looking forward to bringing this trophy to London,” he added.
“The open bus parade, it’s going to be amazing.”
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