Former Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal has announced his retirement from football.
The 35-year-old has called time on a 17-year professional; career after leaving Tynecastle under freedom of contract in the summer.
Affectionately known as “Bobby”, Zlamal made 53 appearances for the club after being signed by Craig Levein in 2018.
He started his career in his native Czech Republic with Spartak Hulin before spells with Sparta Prague and Slovan Liberec.
He then earned a move to Serie A with Udinese but spent most of his time out on loan, first in Spain with Cadiz then back home with Slavia Prague.
He then moved on to Bari, who also sent him back to the Czech Republic on loan. A brief spell in Turkey preceded another stint back in his homeland before Hearts snapped him up on a free transfer.
A popular member of the dressing room and among fans, Zlamal proved himself a good shot stopper but wasn't without his mistakes.
As he fell down the pecking order in Gorgie, he was sent on emergency loan to St Mirren to help ease a Covid crisis at the Paisley club.
He played against Hibs, who inflicted a 3-0 defeat on the Buddies, but Zlamal got his revenge when he was again needed as emergency cover, this time at St Johnstone, who defeated the Hibees in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden as Zlamal watched on.
Zlamal confirmed that he will keep working and only play for fun, although is offering his services as a striker after playing in a charity match at the weekend.
He posted on Instagram: “Dear friends, after a long and very varied 17 years, I decided to end my professional football career and go on a well-deserved rest. I signed the contract, but instead of football, this one is a working one.
“Of course, I stay with football, but only for fun. I will be a striker - so who wants to help with scoring goals, especially from the corners, so report . And I can also break goals well… if anyone needs…
“Many thanks to everyone I met on my way. Especially for family, all fans, teammates, coaches and friends.”
