Liverpool legend, Vladimir Smicer, on Monday night, October 31, 2022, disclosed that failing to feature at the FIFA World Cup was the biggest disappointment in his career.
Speaking during an interview on NTV, the 49-year-old stated that not representing his country in the prestigious competition was heartbreaking.
“Yes, playing in the World Cup is one of the things I miss in my career. I had been involved in three qualification groups, and I qualified with the team before the world cup in 2006.
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“We played in the playoffs against Norway. I scored the winning goal and celebrated the qualification, but unfortunately, three months before the World Cup, I damaged my knee.
“I was with the team during the World Cup in Germany, but I could not play and help, so, yeah, that was a disappointment. I was very sad to miss the world cup because of the injury,” divulged the Czech Republic citizen.
Vladimir, who also had stints with Slavia Prague and RC Lens, further divulged that he had five knee operations in his football career.
Moreover, he named Sadio Mane as his favourite African player, although he also admires Egyptian international Mohamed Salah.
“Of course, I like Sadio Mane, he has been brilliant. African player of the year. I have to say the way he is playing, he’s so strong, so clever. He always scores important goals, yeah, I like Sadio Mane,” stated Smicer.
The player who was invited to Kenya by the organizers of the 2022 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will forever be remembered by Liverpool fans for playing a crucial role in their 2005 UEFA Champions League triumph.
He scored one of the goals in Liverpool’s dramatic comeback against AC Milan at Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey.
Liverpool, who were 3-0 down by the end of the first half, went on to win the game on post-match penalties.
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