Lukas Hornicek, Newcastle United's new Czech goalkeeper, has revealed his ambition to follow in the footsteps of club legend Pavel Srnicek, citing the late great's success as a major inspiration.
Aiming to Continue a Czech Legacy
Hornicek, a full Czech international like Srnicek, is eager to build a similar rapport with the Geordie faithful. He said: "I want to continue the legacy. It's great because it shows people in Newcastle like Czech goalkeepers. That is perfect for me. Hopefully I can leave the same mark as Pav did because he was true club great."
Srnicek, a key figure in Newcastle's 'Entertainers' era, tragically passed away in 2015 at the age of 47 after collapsing while out on a run, plunging the city into mourning.
Ready for the Newcastle Spotlight
The 6ft 6in shot-stopper arrives from SC Braga for £25.7m after five years in Portugal, and he is prepared for the intense scrutiny that comes with playing for a football-mad city. With a smile, he said: "I love football so know Newcastle is going to be the right city for me. I know already that the fans are amazing. They are really passionate and that's exciting for me. I am really excited to play at St James' Park."
He added: "It is hard to imagine how good the atmosphere will be to hear and experience for the first time. I believe it will be better than I even expect."
A Modern Sweeper Keeper
Hornicek is considered a sweeper keeper, a style he embraces. The 24-year-old explained: "I am working on all of this stuff. If I were to say one thing, I am good at coming outside for balls and coming behind the lines, you know. Of course, there is still a lot to work on because you are never the perfect goalkeeper. You need to work all the time. So in the end you can get better and better."
He cites Petr Cech and Manuel Neuer as major influences. "I guess Manuel Neuer, when you saw him for the first time, he was going out of his box and beyond the lines. He is a brilliant goalkeeper who is involved in the build-up. He changed my perspective. Of course, for me, being from the Czech Republic, Petr Cech. He is a legend. In the end, I just love playing football."
From Basketball Tears to Football Dreams
Hailing from Vysoke Myto, Hornicek tried other sports as a child, including basketball, but quickly realised football was his path. He said: "It was always football for me. My grandpa was always involved in football, and the other grandpa was about basketball. So he tried to make me play basketball when I was six, and I ended up crying. I didn't like it all when I went training so maybe it drove me on to be a professional footballer."
