Leaving Hearts as a winner is the perfect goodbye, says Rudi Skacel

May 21 2012 By Craig Swan

RAMPANT Rudi Skacel reckons the completion of a sensational Hearts hat-trick is the perfect way to say goodbye to Gorgie.

The fans’ favourite produced another party piece on the big stage to net two cherished goals in the 5-1 thumping of humiliated Hibs.

Yet again, Hampden Park belonged to Skacel after another National Stadium masterclass.

Back in 2006, the Czech Republic ace scored in the Scottish Cup Final as Hearts defeated Gretna to collect the silverware on his last appearance before signing for Southampton.

At the weekend, he topped that with another fond farewell thanks to a glorious double to put Hibs to the sword in the biggest capital crunch of all time. It was the perfect way to cap a second teary-eyed departure.

He said: “You can’t compare this with 2006 because it’s two different things. That was a massive win for the club and you should not make comparisons.

“But I definitely have fond memories of Hampden as I don’t lose Scottish Cup games here. I’m so pleased for the club and it shows everybody there is only one team in Edinburgh.

“It was important to get two Cups in my hands – it’s been a successful last few years.

“In all three years I’ve been here, we’ve reached the Champions League and won two Cups so it’s not a bad record. This is the best way to say goodbye, with the Cup in my hands.”

Skacel’s mind appears to be made up on leaving, although he refused to divulge too many details on the behind-the-scenes events that have tipped his thinking.

Tellingly, there was a silence when asked to comment on the part played by Paulo Sergio in the team’s triumph which suggested that not all is wine and roses between player and manager.

Deliberately keeping away from discussing Sergio, Skacel said: “We did a good job like a team, united and handled it very well.”

On the boss staying, he added: “You have to ask somebody else.”

However, Sergio may not be there next season if his talks with Vladimir Romanov do not go to plan and Skacel maintained the cryptic answer session when he said: “I’m satisfied with all of the season but I don’t want to talk about bad things now.

“I’m pleased we won the Scottish Cup and the fact that I scored goals doesn’t matter because we have got the trophy in our hands.

“This is no time to speak about bad things. Only about good things. I’m pleased how I did the last two weeks.It’s the best way to say goodbye.”

Skacel was pushed to expand on his inner feelings when quizzed on the future, adding only: “You never know in this kind of business but a couple of things happened during January to make me decide to go.

“This idea was in my head for a long time from January and I was ready for it. The final in 2006 was definitely more emotional for me.

“It was very sad for me. I was devastated. However, on this occasion, I was ready to finish with the Cup. We’ll see and you never know what happens but I hope it’s a good way to say goodbye.

“My career is not over. I want to continue for another three years. I feel very well. I feel fit and I’m still hungry.

“Let’s go and celebrate and, although you can never say never, it probably is the last game for me.

“I don’t have any offers but I want now to switch off for a couple of weeks and then decide what will be best for my career.”

One thing is clear– if Skacel goes, he’ll never be forgotten.

The attacking midfielder had already cemented his place in the folklore of the club with his exploits before kick-off at the weekend.

But to score two goals in a final against Hibs ensures he will always be welcomed with open arms when he decides to return to Gorgie.

Skacel said: “I enjoyed my time over here at Hearts. I was welcomed by supporters and I want to say thank you very much for all the backing I have here.

“It was always great and they treat me very well. Hopefully I gave them a great present by beating their big rivals.

“Maybe they will remember this for another 100 years.”

Taken from the Daily Record