One of the famoust players of Czech footbal history was honoured by president on the occasion of public holiday.

Icon of Bohemia Prague assumed 1. rank Distinguished Service Medal from hands of president Václav Klaus. Former midfielder of Czech national team and Bohemians Prague assumed the medal at 90 years anniversary of Czechoslovakia formation ceremony in Vladislav Hall on the Prague castle.

Panenka (59) is the only footbaler, who is awarded for merit of state in a sports sphere this year. „For me, it is award for my whole life, which I devoted to football. It´s a medal for me as well as Bohemians“ said Antonín Panenka.

Rightly to his Vršovice club, where he performs as a president at the moment, devoted Panenka his thoughts after the ceremony. „ It´s a great honour, that I gained this decoration. I
wouldn´t accomplish this without Bohemians, without Ďolíček, where i spent almost all my career“ stated Panenka in a press release. Presidential office reffered in a decoration reasons, that legendary executioner of a penalty in 1976 European Finals was awarded among others for improving Czech-Austrian relationships and leading role, which he acted out in a Bohemians 1905 restoration. The club restored thanks to fans sponsorship after it´s financial crisis in 2005 – Panenka initiated its rescue and became it´s president.