Hejda Retires: Pilsen Legend Becomes Scout

The chapter of Lukáš Hejda (35) in professional football is closing. The experienced defender and long-time captain of Viktoria Plzeň will wear the jersey of divisional Křimice in the spring, thus definitively ending his tenure in the elite Czech competitions. On Tuesday, the club confirmed the player would remain in Victoria in a scouting role.

However, he will remain in Victoria and work as a scout. “This offer appealed to me. I am happy to continue to stay at the club to which my heart belongs and to be able to continue to help it and pass on the experience I have gained during my career.” Hejd commented on the changes.

“Lukáš is one of Viktorka’s great figures. We have been talking for a long time about the fact that he will be involved in the running of the club after the end of his career. Specifically, it will be the role of one of the scouts within this department. I am glad that we will continue to work together, and I wish Lukáš that he succeeds in his new position and fulfills it.” said the chairman of the board and general manager of the club, Adolf Šádek.

The 35-year-old shot-stopper has spent more than two decades in the top flight, moving through a number of traditional clubs during his career. In addition to Pilsen, he also wore the jersey of Sparta, Baník Ostrava and Jablonec. But he left the most significant mark in Victoria, where he came in 2012 from Letná.

He played a total of 378 competitive matches in Štruncový sady, scored 32 goals and became one of the key figures of the club’s golden era. He celebrated the championship title five times with Pilsen and for many years was among its leaders on the field and in the cabin.

Křímice are currently in third place in Group A of the 4th League and are 14 points behind leaders Benešov. They will play the first match of the spring season on March 7 against Přestice.