Nedved Inks Extension, Indicative of an Impending Czech Return?

Last summer’s “will he or won’t he” was nipped in the bud rather quickly this year, as Pavel Nedved today signed on for another year with Juventus with one fixture still on the schedule. So that brings him to the end of the 2008-09 season and now puts off the retirement talk for good. What it also brings up is the inevitable question: Will he also bring himself back for the Euros?

It’s a vastly different question now than last week, under vastly different circumstances. Essentially, the injury to captain and star attacker Tomas Rosicky has changed the complexion of the Czech midfield, and though a quality squad, they don’t really have the depth to make up for the absence of someone like Rosicky.

If teammates were calling for his participation prior to the injury - and they were in numbers - Pavel will surely be getting a flurry of calls and text messages now. Being in a group with co-hosts Switzerland (a host always goes through), the talented Portugal and sleeper Turkey is certainly no free pass to the second round.

At the very least it has to be a slight push towards Swissaustria for Pavel. But will he choose to go, and after hearing him mention the fatigue which comes with age, will he be effective after a full year of Serie A at the age of 35? I imagine we’ll find out if he’s making the trek mighty soon, but his effectiveness, if he shows, won’t be known until next month.

One thing’s for sure, the quality of hair will go up if Pavel joins the party. I can’t stand the man, but those are some fantastic locks.