Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
It hasn’t been very long since Radek Vitek left Man Utd for Middlesbrough, but he’s already had to issue a clarification.
The future of Radek Vitek was resolved recently as he received his wish to become No. 1 elsewhere, signing for Middlesbrough.
Man Utd, aware of Vitek’s potential, have a buy-back, matching, and sell-on clause, clearly confident that he’s destined for bigger things.
Apparently, Vitek is as well, and perhaps a bit too soon for Middlesbrough fans…
Manchester United v Atletico de Madrid - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Getty Images
Radek Vitek issues clarification after leaving Man Utd
United got a decent fee for Vitek, an initial £7m, potentially rising to £14m if bonuses are met.
Having said that, it is still a slight surprise to see the best goalkeeper in the Championship last season go back to the division.
Vitek will be the undisputed starter, but this is a level he is already proven at, so it seems like a matter of when, and not if, he takes another step forward.
That is the mistake the goalkeeper made by mentioning it in his introductory message to the fans of his new club.
He talked about ‘Boro as a “new challenge”, and what was taken a bit problematically, a “new stepping stone in my career”.
Aware of the negative connotations of that, Vitek issued a clarification on X.
He said: “I wanted to clarify what I meant by “stepping stone”. I just want to assure everyone that I have not meant that in any negative way. The point of this comment was that this is a very important step in my career going forward. I can’t wait to get started.”
‘Boro fans largely reacted well to Vitek’s clarification, understanding what he meant.
Vitek sends departing message to Man Utd
In the process of getting lost in translation, Vitek also sent a message to Man Utd, having been at Old Trafford for the last six years.
Getty Images
He wrote [via his Instagram]: “I’m incredibly grateful for every moment, every lesson and every person I’ve met along the way. It has truly been an honour to be part of this club. Thank you for everything.”
There was an outpouring of support from players who progressed through the ranks with him.
Shea Lacey, Tyler Fredricson, Toby Collyer, Charlie McNeil, and Rhys Bennett sent supportive responses, which also included new Man Utd signing Kit Margetson.
Vitek will be expected to make his debut against Lincoln on the opening day of the Championship season on August 15.