Radek Vitek faces backlash just hours after Middlesbrough move

Radek Vitek made the permanent move to Middlesbrough on Saturday as he took the next step in his career.

Vitek, who played in two of Manchester United’s pre-season matches before leaving the club, was on loan at Bristol City last season from United.

Whilst in Bristol, the shot-stopper won the Player of the Year award and kept 12 clean sheets in 41 Championship appearances as City finished 12th in the league.

Following his move to Middlesbrough, Vitek gave an interview where he explained his excitement and anticipation for the coming months.

In the interview, however, the goalkeeper said that the move was “a new stepping stone in my career, a permanent move.”

He also said: “So I’m really excited. I hope everyone is as excited as me for the season ahead and I hope we can go for the goal we all want.”

Boro supporters online took offence to his description of the move as a “stepping stone” with some displaying their anger and putting forward backlash.

Radek Vitek was then forced to clarify his comments through a post on X where he said: “I wanted to clarify what I meant by ‘stepping stone’. I just want to assure everyone that I have not meant that in any negative way.

“The point of the this comment was that this is very important step in my career going forward. I can’t wait to get started.”

With the comment now explained, focus will switch towards Vitek’s debut for the club which could come in the next few weeks.

Middlesbrough overcame Wrexham on Friday evening in Round One of the Carabao Cup and face Lincoln City in their opening match of the Championship season next Saturday.

The club then face Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion to conclude August.