From a young age, Juraj kucka displayed extraordinary talent and an unwavering drive on the football field. That talent carried him from his hometown of Prievidza to the heights of international football, with stints at Sparta Prague, AC Milan, and Watford FC.

After a successful career, Kucka joined Slovan Bratislava, where he participated in the Champions League group stage. However,even during his time with slovan,he hinted that his journey might not yet be over.

At a recent press conference, Kucka confirmed his return to his roots, announcing that he will be wearing the jersey of his childhood club, FC Baník Prievidza, in the upcoming season.

“Many of you have asked me about my next plans. The truth is that I decided to return to Prievidza, where it all started. I played here as I was young and I want to end it here,” said former Slovak representative Juraj Kucka.

“I decided to return to Prievidza,where it all started. I played here since I was young and I want to end it here.”

Kucka: “I Haven’t Hung Up My Boots yet”

FC Baník Prievidza currently plays at the amateur level, having recently been promoted to the third league.

“I haven’t hung the football yet on a nail, it was only on a professional level. But I believe it can still be reversed to a professional level. When Prievidzi is able to go out and higher and higher,” he added, expressing his ambition to help the club rise through the ranks.

Prievidza’s promotion to the fourth ZsFZ league coincided with the acquisition of another Slovak international, David Hancko.

“I decided to help as much as I know. In the cabin, on the playground, in the club to give some observations.With David we are good friends and I know a lot of people,” Kucka stated, highlighting his commitment to contributing both on and off the field.

The team’s coach is Filip Hlohovský, a former top-league scorer who played in South Korea before concluding his career in Prievidza. “We have a great relationship together,” Kucka added.

The Knee Stopped Hurting

Kucka will wear his signature number 33 for Prievidza and will join the team’s preparations starting on July 1st. He has agreed to a two-year commitment with Baník.

“I don’t know when I start playing, tomorrow I have a control magnetic resonance. We’ll see what condition my knee is and after consulting the doctor I will see more.”

He added, “However, I have to say that it is better lately. I do not know what it is indeed, but after the last match my knee miraculously stopped hurting the next day,” expressing optimism about a swift return to playing.

Pekár: “A Great Motivation for the Guys”

Kucka expressed his gratitude to the journalists for attending the press conference, acknowledging their interest in the third league. He believes this is just the beginning of a new chapter for the club.

In the past, Prievidza has experienced moments of glory, such as a 3-0 victory over Spartak Trnava in front of 8,000 spectators.

“For the guys and for the club, the arrival of Juraj Kuck is a great motivation and the promise that we want to move Prievidza for the better. I believe that we will succeed in gradual, slow steps.”

Štefan Pekár, the sports director of Prievidza and a former Slovak champion with Spartak Trnava, added, “And Kuco will help us when his health serves.Certainly the personality will be for us and the whole district.”

Club representatives believe that the presence of legends like Kucka and hancko will revitalize football in Prievidza.

“Kuco has always declared that he wanted to return home. To end where he started. His arrival was therefore natural, we are friends, so we communicated freely.”

He concluded, “I am happy to be here for what I would like to thank him for,” adding that the agreement to wear a Baník jersey was reached two months prior. “I am ready to be under scrutiny. However,I believe that my rivals will also save me,” Juraj Kucka said with a smile.