Sheffield Wednesday’s Daniel Pudil is currently away on international duty with the Czech Republic.
The country play a World Cup Qualifier against Norway on Friday in Prague, and it’s crucial to their hopes of appearing in Russia. With only 2 points so far from 3 games, the Czechs really need a win. A loss and they can probably forget about their Russia hopes, and perhaps Pudil’s international career will come to an end.
Asked if he’s considered retiring from the Czech team, like Petr Cech, to conserve his energy for Sheffield Wednesday, Pudil told iDNES: Peter had done enough for the Czech team and we cannot blame him that such a decision was made because of the number of matches at Arsenal. Premier League, two domestic cups, the Champions League…”
Pressed again on the matter (maybe IDNES are keen for Pudil to retire), the Sheffield Wednesday player hinted it may not be far away: “I’ve got a pretty packed schedule… But so far do not feel that way. We’ll see how qualification develops. If it was not the right direction and we would lose a chance to advance, so there could be priority for young people who need to improve and soak up the atmosphere.”
Pudil is 31 years of age, it’s not considered old for international football, but Sheffield Wednesday may well side with him on giving Czech youngsters a chance.