Zdenek Zlamal admits it’s emotional for him to leave Hearts after three years at the club, during which he was "good and bad".
The Czech goalkeeper’s contract is up this summer and the 35-year-old is looking for a new challenge away from Tynecastle.
He admits his time in Gorgie has been something of a mixed bag. The man affectionately known as “Bobby” has produced some wonderful saves, but doesn’t deny the fact he’s made some mistakes.
However, the stopper was a popular figure in the dressing room and amongst fans, even if his last year in the capital saw him play more for St Mirren and St Johnstone in emergency loan spells than for the Jambos.
But Zlamal admits he’ll always have a soft spot for the club despite enduring a difficult final 18 months or so.
“I have been here three years so I feel a little bit emotional that this is the end,” he told the Edinburgh Evening News. “I spent some nice times in Scotland and also some very difficult times, but I have good memories. I met good people and made lots of friends.
“I enjoyed it when I was playing regularly and Hearts will always be in my heart. Sometimes I was good, sometimes obviously I was bad. I always gave my best on the pitch and I hope the supporters appreciate it.
“I had some good feedback from them. I think I had a good relationship with the fans, especially in the first season. The other seasons were more difficult but that’s life.”
Now that they are back in the Scottish Premiership, Zlamal hopes to see Hearts back n European competition where they belong.
He added: “I hope Hearts will soon play in the Europa League again,” said Zlamal.
“You see much smaller teams in the Europa League and Hearts are not there, so I wish for Hearts to be back in Europe soon. It’s such a big club and I really wish them all the best.”
As to where he ends up next, Zlamal admits he’s had no concrete offers so far, although a return to his native Czech Republic seems most likely.
At one stage, his family were set to fully commit to living in Edinburgh for the foreseeable future, but a rethink was required after Covid hit.
He explained: “That was before Covid. During Covid it has been more difficult for me and my family.
“Our friends and family members can’t travel here and we can’t go home, so it is more complicated. We are leaving it open. If we stay here, that’s fine. If we go back to Czech Republic, it will probably be better for our family.
“I think my wife has changed her opinion a little bit because she really misses her family. The grandparents miss the kids as well. Everything changes with Covid. We will see what happens but we will always have very nice memories from Scotland.”
“I am still waiting on an offer, there is nothing official from any club.
“I don’t know if I will go back to Czech Republic or if I will stay here. It looks like I will go back to Czech but I don’t have any decision right now so we will see what the future brings.”
