Tomáš Souček has revealed that helping West Ham United return to the Premier League was the driving force behind his decision to remain at the club following relegation.
The 31-year-old has spent almost seven years in East London and was among the senior players who could have considered their futures after West Ham dropped into the Championship.
Instead, Souček stayed.
Now the midfielder has made clear that he wants his West Ham legacy to include helping Nuno Espírito Santo’s side win promotion back to the top flight.
Speaking about his decision, Souček told Hammers News that last season’s disappointment has become a source of motivation.
“That is the biggest motivation for me to help take West Ham back to the Premier League,” he said.
Tomáš Souček explains West Ham decision
Relegation brought significant change at London Stadium.
Several senior players were linked with departures, but Souček remained committed despite suffering a serious ankle injury while representing the Czech Republic at the World Cup.
The midfielder explained that he wants to eventually leave West Ham feeling proud of what he achieved during his time at the club.
That already includes winning the Europa Conference League, but helping the Hammers recover from relegation would add another important chapter.
Souček also credited the supporters for the backing they continued to provide after a difficult campaign.
He described their support as “incredible”, having previously spoken about the remarkable crowds West Ham have continued attracting in the Championship.
That connection helps explain why walking away after relegation never appealed to him.
Souček closing in on West Ham return
The timing of the comments is particularly interesting because Souček is nearing his return from injury.
He has been sidelined for around three months after damaging his ankle at the World Cup, but recently indicated that his comeback was getting close.
Read West Ham has been tracking Souček’s recovery and the possibility of an earlier-than-expected return.
Saturday’s trip to Millwall now provides the next possible landmark.
A starting role appears unlikely after such a lengthy absence, but West Ham will hope the midfielder can soon become another option for Nuno during a demanding Championship campaign.
The latest Millwall vs West Ham injury and team news should provide further clarity as the derby approaches.
Souček motivation fits West Ham promotion push
West Ham have recovered strongly after a difficult beginning to life in the second tier.
Four consecutive league victories have pushed Nuno’s side to the top end of the Championship, with the 6-0 demolition of Wrexham providing the clearest indication yet of their promotion potential.
Souček has had to watch that improvement from the sidelines.
His comments suggest he is desperate to contribute once he is fit enough to return.
The Czech international has already experienced European success, relegation battles and trophy celebrations during his West Ham career.
Helping the club return immediately to the Premier League would represent something different.
After choosing to stay when West Ham dropped out of the top flight, Souček now has the opportunity to help reverse that relegation.
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