West Ham have introduced the demise of their legendary former goalkeeper and coach Ludek Miklosko aged 64.
The Czech star, who performed in 373 matches for the Hammers between 1990 and 1997, has handed away after a battle with most cancers.
Miklosko, recognized by supporters as ‘Ludo’, final visited the London Stadium in December 2024 as a Visitor of Honour in opposition to Liverpool, having confirmed his most cancers prognosis.
Since then, followers have sung his ‘my identify is Ludek Miklosko, I come from close to Moscow, I play in aim for West Ham’ chant at every match.
‘The large goalkeeper will eternally maintain a particular place within the hearts of the West Ham household,’ the membership stated.
‘Everybody at West Ham United wish to prolong their honest condolences to Ludek’s household and family members and this very unhappy time.’
Legendary former West Ham goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died aged 64 after a most cancers battle
The much-loved Czech ‘light big’ made 373 outings for West Ham and in addition performed for QPR
Miklosko received two promotions with the Hammers, reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and League Cup, and even prevented Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United from successful the Premier League in 1995 with a man-of-the-match efficiency.
He additionally performed for Queens Park Rangers in English soccer.
The ‘light big’ additionally made two appearances for his nation, and performed for Hvezda Cheb and Banik Ostrava in his homeland. Principally just lately, he headed up the sports activities division on the latter, one of many largest Czech golf equipment.
Tributes have been pouring in for Miklosko.
Former West Ham team-mate Julian Dicks wrote on X: ‘Very unhappy information right this moment, the passing of Ludo, I’ll see you once more at some point my good friend. Plus don’t neglect to have a Czech Bud ready for me.’
David Trunda, the top of the Czech soccer affiliation, stated: ‘With deep sorrow, I acquired the information of the demise of Ludek Miklosko, one of many outstanding figures of Czech soccer.
‘Ludek Miklosko has considerably inscribed himself into its historical past along with his performances in addition to his strategy to soccer, incomes respect not solely within the Czech Republic but in addition overseas.
‘His identify will eternally be related to a major period of Czech soccer and with the values that he represented as each a participant and an individual. On behalf of the Soccer Affiliation of the Czech Republic and alone behalf, I categorical my honest condolences to his household, family members, pals, and all those that had the chance to know Ludek and collaborate with him.
‘Ludo’, left, was a massively common determine at West Ham and tributes have been pouring in for him
‘Honour to his reminiscence.’
Talksport broadcaster Ian Abrahams wrote: ‘A mild big, an exceptional goalkeeper, I used to be fortunate sufficient to fulfill Ludo on just a few events and he was a terrific gentleman. Ideas along with his pals, household and all at West Ham.’
One fan wrote: ‘Such unhappy information right this moment of the passing of Ludek Miklosko. Usually signed my programme from behind the North Financial institution aim at Upton Park, and lucky sufficient to have met him after his taking part in days. A goalkeeping phenomenon. RIP ‘Huge Ludo’.
Creator Mick Clifford added: ‘Devastated to listen to the unhappy information that membership legend Ludek Miklosko has handed away. Condolences to his household and pals at this troublesome time.’
Miklosko had an operation to take away a lump on his hip in 2021 however one other tumour developed in his abdomen.
He opted in opposition to chemotherapy, saying: ‘I made a decision to not endure chemotherapy as a result of I wish to stay a traditional life.
‘After they instructed me what chemotherapy would entail, it might imply that I’d not be capable of work or be with my colleagues for about six months, I’d not be capable of journey and so forth. I stated no, I do not need that
‘I’ve nice folks round me, I’ve my job and soccer, which is my life. The whole lot I do know. I wish to proceed doing it so long as I can.’
