Vladimir Coufal explains absence v Brighton as West Ham United contract news emerges, ‘so sorry’
Vladimir Coufal has revealed flu was the reason why he missed the West Ham game against Brighton on Tuesday (2 January).
The Czech Republic international posted on his Instagram story before the 0-0 draw on Tuesday that he was “so sorry” he couldn’t help his teammates on the pitch, but he added that he will fight for the club until his “last days” once he returns to action.
It comes after the 31-year-old’s agent Karol Kisel told inFotbalu on Tuesday (via The Mirror) that his client “deserves a better salary” than the £35,000 he’s earning and that the right-back is “not happy” about the situation.
“I feel so sorry I can’t help [the] boys on the pitch tonight,” said Coufal on Instagram. “Instead of opponents, I am fighting with bad flu. I will miss your fantastic support tonight, but as soon as I can recover again, I am ready to fight for [the] club as long as I can until my last days.”
Get well soon
It would take an awful lot for Coufal to miss a game for West Ham, so you can just about guarantee that it must be a nasty flu that he’s suffering from.
All the Hammers fans would no doubt wish him well after he’s been an incredible servant over the past few years, giving everything for the club.
The right-back has been pretty much an ever-present in the side this season, having made 24 appearances in all competitions and previously playing in every Premier League game.
It’s understandable that he isn’t too happy with his current teams as there are fringe players at the London Stadium who are probably earning at least double what the defender is.
His performances have deserved an improved deal, but due to his age, it is unlikely the hierarchy decide to offer him more money after a one-year extension was activated recently.
In other West Ham news, a Premier League manager has made a decision on a player the Hammers want to sign.