Milan Havel: Emotional Farewell to Plzeň & Reflects on Titles & Key Figures
A veteran footballer, Milan Havel, recently experienced a poignant farewell with his club, Viktoria Plzeň, following a match against Porto. The emotional departure, occurring after eight and a half years with the team, was marked by both on-field participation despite recent health challenges and heartfelt recognition from the club and his teammates.
A Difficult Goodbye
Havel expressed the difficulty of leaving Plzeň, a city he and his family have called home for a significant period. He stated, “Loučení s Plzní je pro mě těžký. Hodně těžký. Strávil jsem tady velký kus života, žili jsme tu s rodinou osm a půl roku. Město miluji, takže těžký loučení.” This sentiment underscores the deep personal connection he forged with the community.
Health Challenges and a Final Appearance
Prior to the match against Porto, Havel faced minor health issues during training, initially preventing his inclusion in the starting lineup. However, thanks to the efforts of the team’s physiotherapists, he was able to contribute for the final 30 minutes of the game. Coach Martin Hyský acknowledged this, stating, “Počítal jsem s Milanem do základu, bohužel během soustředění si přivodil lehčí zdravotní problémy, které ho vyřadily z tréninku. Dávám kredit fyzioterapeutům, kteří ho dali do stavu, že nám proti Portu mohl pomoci alespoň půl hodiny.”
A Celebration of Career
The club honored Havel with a formal farewell ceremony. He received a commemorative jersey, number 24, from General Director Adolf Šádek. His teammates formed a guard of honor, and a video highlighting his key moments with Viktoria Plzeň was displayed on the stadium’s screens.
Acknowledging Key Influences
Havel specifically acknowledged the impact of several figures during his time with the club. He paid tribute to David Limberský, Roman Hubník, and particularly coach Michal Bílek, who led the team to the championship title in 2021/2022. He described the experience of joining a team with such established players as “neskutečný skok” (an incredible leap).
He also fondly recalled memorable matches, including one against Real Madrid, and celebrated the team’s two championship titles. Havel emphasized the strong team spirit fostered by Bílek, stating, “Jak kabina táhla za jeden provaz, jak celá sezona šlapala, tohle bych přál zažít každému.”
Looking Ahead
Havel is moving on to join Bohemians 1905, referred to as “Botiče” in the source. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to say goodbye on the field and for the positive outcome of the match against Porto. He stated, “Můj konec v Plzni prostě vyplynul ze situace. Já jsem rád, že jsem se mohl rozloučit na hřišti a užít si to s fanoušky. Povedl se i výsledek, takže nakonec všechno klaplo.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Milan Havel’s reaction to leaving Plzeň?
Havel described his departure as “těžký” (difficult), stating he and his family had spent a significant portion of their lives in the city and he loved it.
What role did the team’s medical staff play in Havel’s final appearance?
The team’s physiotherapists were credited with getting Havel into a condition where he could play for 30 minutes against Porto, despite recent health issues.
Who did Havel specifically thank during his farewell?
Havel thanked David Limberský, Roman Hubník, and coach Michal Bílek, acknowledging their influence on his career at Viktoria Plzeň.
How might a supportive team environment impact an athlete’s career transition?