Nedved - I was told to give up
PAVEL NEDVED has admitted that he was once told to give up football because he had 'no talent.'
The Czech star is widely regarded as one of the top performers in the game, and has taken his Juventus side into the Champions League semi-finals.
However, Nedved exclusively told planetfootball that he was once advised to try his hand at another career.
"The coach was Karol Buryak, a former European Champion from 1976," laughed Nedved.
"He told me it would be better to give up because I had no talent.
"What can I say?"
Nedved left Lazio for Juventus in 2001, admitting the decision had become straightforward.
"I felt like Lazio had lost their faith in me and, at the time, Juventus made it clear I was wanted," said Nedved.
"I remember meeting [Juve president] Gianni Agnelli for the first time. I was overcome with emotion and could not speak.
"I hope to play on until the World Cup in 2006, considering I have never played in one.
"After that, I have bought some land near Prague and I intend to set up a football school."
Juventus are currently 2-1 down following a defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, but are confident ahead of the next game in Turin.
"I would put winning the Champions League ahead of winning the league," admitted Nedved, who has been compared to Zinedine Zidane from the opposition.
"Comparisons with Zidane are ridiculous! He is unique.
"Look at his control on the ball; it is amazing and he makes it look so simple."
