Millwall have signed Jiri Skalak from Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee as confirmed by the club website.
The 26-year-old winger, who has been capped 13 times by the Czech Republic, started his career in his native country with Sparta Prague. While he made ten appearances for their senior side, he got more first-team football with loan spells at MFK Ruzomberok, Slovacko and Zbrojovka Brno. Following a successful loan spell with Mlada Boleslav, he signed a permanent deal with them but only stayed a year before being snapped up Brighton.
Skalak would make 43 appearances, scoring two goals, at Brighton before completing his move to Millwall today where he has signed a long-term deal. He struggled to get a first-team spot with the Seagulls following their promotion to the Premier League and with Millwall needing a new winger after failing to sign Ben Marshall on a permanent deal, this seemed like the ideal move for both sides.
After completing his move, Skalak said: “I’m really happy to join the club. I cannot wait to play my first game at The Den,”
“I’m more than happy and appreciate that I am getting my chance here. I will do my best for the club and try to help the team.”
“It’s very nice to feel [wanted]. I’d like to say thank you [to Neil Harris] – he’s waited for me for a long time. It wasn’t easy, but now I am here and I’m happy to be here.”
“I had some nice years at Brighton but last season was hard. I didn’t play a lot, just some Cup games. If you get the chance to play then you can be a better player – that was what I missed.”
“Crosses, set plays, that’s my game – to get some nice crosses into the box for strikers to score goals.”
“I feel good. All of pre-season I’ve been fit and I played one game. All last year I was fit – I just had one injury in January, but otherwise I was fit. I am fit, ready and hungry to play for Millwall.”
“I’m really excited to be at The Den and see the Millwall fans because I heard that they’re the best. I cannot wait to see them.”
