Tomas Soucek has said he has “made a good choice” after completing a permanent transfer to West Ham from Slavia Prague.
The 25-year-old midfielder has penned a four-year contract in east London after a hugely successful six month loan spell where he has scored three goals in 12 games and after West Ham’s survival in the top flight was secured in midweek, the club has moved quickly to tie Soucek down long-term.
As a part of his loan deal in January, it was agreed that Soucek would sign permanently if the Hammers retained their Premier League status, which they have managed to do.
Soucek has become a firm fan favourite in his short time in east London with his all-action, box-to-box displays in midfield as he has formed part of a solid trio alongside Mark Noble and Declan Rice.
And the midfielder has said he is “satisfied” with what he has achieved in his short spell so far in the capital.
“I must be satisfied with the last half a year,” Soucek told Slavia Prague’s website.
“I have heard a lot about how January transfers aren’t the easiest choice. And on top of that I was joining the club fighting to avoid relegation. I am glad we made it together with other lads and we secured the Premier League spot with two games to go.
“I am happy that my performance could help and that my loan spell was successful. It gives me strength for the following seasons. I think we deserve to be higher than now.
“Of course, I have mixed feelings. I am leaving Slavia where I grew up and played for my entire career. But I am leaving for the Premier League, my dream competition.
“So, there is sad news about leaving Slavia compensated by the good news that we managed to save West Ham from relegation. I can feel that I have made a good choice, that I can move forward now.
“And I am looking forward to the following years. I will support Slavia forever, even though I will be wearing a different shirt.”
