Twenty-four-year-old midfielder Pavel Šulc is transferring to France´s top league, where he will wear the jersey of the famous Olympique Lyon.

Twenty-four-year-old Pavel Šulc made a significant contribution last week to Viktoria Plzeň´s progress past Servette into the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Thanks to him, Viktoria is once again assured of at least a place in the Europa League group stage. Now another milestone in his life is coming, one that will fulfill his big dream – he will play in France´s top league in the jersey of the famous club from Lyon.

"Pavel had a fantastic season, in which he was not only the best player in the entire league, but also deservedly won the Golden Ball. We had a fair agreement that if an attractive offer came along for him and the club, he would be given the green light to leave," said Adolf Šádek, chairman of the board and CEO of the club.

"Now that moment has come. Pavel helped us significantly to advance through the second qualifying round of the Champions League, and an adequate offer came in from a team playing in one of the top five competitions in Europe, which is a long-term goal in our transfer strategy. I am convinced that he has done a fantastic job for our club, worked his way up to a key role, and now is the right time for him to try his hand at a top foreign engagement. All of us, and I dare say on behalf of our fans, will keep our fingers crossed for him and wish him every success in his future career," added Adolf Šádek.

"First and foremost, I greatly appreciate what I experienced with Viktoria. I won a title with the club, played some amazing matches in Europe, and will never forget the relationship with the fans, who were fantastic. I would like to thank everyone for their support, and I believe we will stay in touch even from a distance," said Pavel Šulc, who underwent a medical examination in Lyon today and signed a multi-year contract with Olympique.

"Mr. Šádek and I clearly agreed that the offer had to be interesting for both sides and from a big club playing in a prestigious competition. Lyon meets all these criteria, and their coach was very keen on me, so now everything has come together," continued Pavel Šulc.

"I will always support Viktoria and I hope that as many fans as possible will come to the football matches. I am proud of what has been built here and how far it has come. A full stadium and a great atmosphere are what make Viktoria Viktoria, and I believe that this will continue," concluded Pavel Šulc.

Pavel Šulc joined Viktoria at the age of 10. He went through the youth academy, played in the Youth Champions League in their jersey, played 115 league games, scoring 36 goals and adding 23 assists. He shone in the Conference League, where the team fought its way to a historic quarter-final, and in the last season he also played a significant role in the European League campaign. And in his last match in the red and blue jersey, he helped ensure that at least the European League will be played at Doosan Arena again this season!

At the same time, he became an important member of the national team´s starting lineup and won a number of individual awards. He was named the best midfielder and player in the entire league, recently won the Golden Ball for the best Czech player, and can also be proud of his fair play award.

Šulcík, thank you and good luck in Lyon!