One of the benefits of the international break for us fans is that players return to their home countries and face media duties in their own language, generally in a somewhat less hyper-vigilant mode. Consequently they are more relaxed about revealing to their own journalists in their own countries information or events on which they’re much more tight lipped when on club duty in England.
Coming so close behind the closing of the summer transfer window, nuggets get put out there by players to confirm some of the main stories that were left hanging from the summer.
Such would seem to be the case regarding the rumours about Tomas Soucek who was controversially linked with a bid and ‘pursuit’ by Everton boss David Moyes.
Speaking with Czech media outlet [ceskenoviny.cz](https://www.ceskenoviny.cz/zpravy/2716987), West Ham’s warrior confirmed his own attitude to Everton’s £14 million-plus bid to reunite Soucek and his former Boss.
_““There was interest_” Soucek confirmed, but then in a blunt and telling statement of the affection he has for West Ham and the supporters, he continued:
_“It was in the media, it was also felt at the club, But West Ham and I said no, because I feel the strength of West Ham. I feel I am in a stable position there that is recognised. I look forward to further cooperation at West Ham.”_
Which speaks of exactly the loyalty which many had claimed was dead in the sport. We will never know for sure, but I’ll bet the Moyes proposal would have paid Soucek more for his signature.
And it says a lot about the man that he stayed put. Seven seasons a Hammer and hopefully many more- perhaps more as an impact substitute in the coming seasons as the younger, faster, fitter talent queue behind him starts to grow.