Ammon News - Former West Ham United and Czech Republic goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died at the age ​of 64, his family said on Monday.

Miklosko ‌joined West Ham from Banik Ostrava in 1990 and spent eight years with the club before moving to ​Queens Park Rangers. He retired in 2001.

A fan ​favourite at West Ham, Miklosko, nicknamed Ludo, ⁠made 373 appearances for the London club before ​later serving as their goalkeeping coach.

After returning home, ​he worked for a sports agency helping to develop young players. He rejoined Banik Ostrava in 2022 as a board ​member and sporting director.
Miklosko was diagnosed with ​cancer in 2021. In 2024, he announced his decision to ‌stop ⁠chemotherapy so he could enjoy life.

"Since then, his famous song has been sung at every single match, and in February this year a stunning tifo ​was displayed ​by Hammers ⁠fans in honour of the giant goalkeeper who will forever hold a special ​place in the hearts of the ​West Ham ⁠family," West Ham said in a statement.

"Rest in peace Ludek, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle ⁠giant ​of a man."

Miklosko represented Czechoslovakia and ​the Czech Republic at international level multiple times throughout his ​career.


Reuters