Pavel Nedved (106 Viewers)
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No dream ending as Nedved takes final bow
PRAGUE (AFP) - There was no dream finale for Czech international midfield great Pavel Nedved who played his final game for the national side in a 3-1 friendly loss to Serbia in the south eastern town of Uherske Hradiste.
"I've thought about this for a long time, and I think the time has come to leave," said a tearful Nedved, as streamers around the stadium read: "Farewell Pavel and thanks."
"I've a heavy heart. My life as a player passed before my eyes, I felt so many emotions.
"I can't even remember how I played so many things were going through my head," added the 33-year-old Juventus player, who left the pitch to a standing ovation.
Nedved, European Footballer of the Year in 2003, scored 18 goals in 90 appearances for the Czech Republic.
He retired from the international scene after Euro 2004 only to return to help the Czechs qualify for the World Cup.
The father of two has starred in two editions of the European Championships, helping his country to second place in 1996 and the last four in 2004. He made his international debut in 1994.
The Czech Republic had gotten off to a strong start when Jiri Stajner put the hosts ahead after just three minutes.
Danko Lazovic, however, grabbed the equaliser for Serbia four minutes before the break with Marko Pantelic (54) and Aleksandar Trisovic (72) completing the victory for the visitors.
AFP
PRAGUE (AFP) - There was no dream finale for Czech international midfield great Pavel Nedved who played his final game for the national side in a 3-1 friendly loss to Serbia in the south eastern town of Uherske Hradiste.
"I've thought about this for a long time, and I think the time has come to leave," said a tearful Nedved, as streamers around the stadium read: "Farewell Pavel and thanks."
"I've a heavy heart. My life as a player passed before my eyes, I felt so many emotions.
"I can't even remember how I played so many things were going through my head," added the 33-year-old Juventus player, who left the pitch to a standing ovation.
Nedved, European Footballer of the Year in 2003, scored 18 goals in 90 appearances for the Czech Republic.
He retired from the international scene after Euro 2004 only to return to help the Czechs qualify for the World Cup.
The father of two has starred in two editions of the European Championships, helping his country to second place in 1996 and the last four in 2004. He made his international debut in 1994.
The Czech Republic had gotten off to a strong start when Jiri Stajner put the hosts ahead after just three minutes.
Danko Lazovic, however, grabbed the equaliser for Serbia four minutes before the break with Marko Pantelic (54) and Aleksandar Trisovic (72) completing the victory for the visitors.
AFP
