Former captain Darida returns to Czech national team

Former Czech national team captain Vladimír Darida has accepted an offer to return to the squad ahead of the World Cup qualification play-offs at the end of March. The 35-year-old midfielder from Hradec Králové made the decision after talks with new head coach Miroslav Koubek and general manager Pavel Nedvěd. Darida said he wants to do his utmost to help the team secure a place at the upcoming championship. He returns after nearly five years, having originally retired from international football following the 2021 European Championship. Over his career with the senior national side, he earned 76 caps and scored eight goals.