Defender Vladimir Coufal has given an update on his future, saying he wants to stay at West Ham United ‘for as long as I can’.
In an in-depth interview with Czech media outlet Bez Frazi, Coufal addressed a range of topics.
The 30-year-old right-back was asked about where he wanted to end his career, and said: “I can imagine returning to Slavia one day. It would be nice to end my career there.
“But I don’t make promises. I want to stay in West Ham for as long as I can. I’ll be hungry, not satisfied.”
It’s been a tough start to the season for West Ham, sitting bottom of the Premier League after three straight defeats.
An injury crisis in defence has seen players picked out of position, and players not ready to play thrown into the starting line-up.
Coufal has started every game for West Ham so far, having to fill in as part of a back three against Viborg in the Europa Conference League last week.
Coufal wants to stay at West Ham
The Czech international joined West Ham from Slavia Prague for £5m in 2020, and has become a cult hero at the London Stadium.
The dependable full-back is a tireless defender, and manager David Moyes has admitted he was lucky to sign Coufal.
Coufal signed a three-year deal last October with an option of an extra year, meaning he could be at the London Stadium until he’s 33.
The defender’s work ethic means that Coufal entering his thirties shouldn’t be an issue fitness wise.
The emergence of Ben Johnson will continue to push Coufal, and if the England under-21 international overtakes Coufal in the pecking order, he’s would be very strong back-up for Moyes.
His desire to stay at the club if definitely a positive for Hammers fans, even if he has admitted he was scared of coming up against two of his London rivals.