Lukas Hornicek (foto: Instagram)
Newcastle signing Lukas Hornicek admitted he abandoned his old nickname after arriving in England, fearing it would be misunderstood by his new teammates and supporters.
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Newcastle United's new goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek has already provided one of the funniest moments of the summer after revealing why he decided to leave his old nickname behind following his move to England.
The 24-year-old Czech international, who joined the Magpies from Braga in a deal worth around £25.7 million, admitted that the nickname he used in Portugal would probably not be received the same way in English.
"Call me Lukasz"
Speaking to Newcastle's official media channels, Hornicek was asked whether he had a nickname.
His answer immediately caught everyone's attention.
"I told them to call me Lukasz. The guys in Portugal used to call me Horni."
After a brief smile, the goalkeeper explained why he had already decided to retire it.
" I don't know if it goes well in the English culture, so I'd rather go by Lukasz."
The interview quickly spread across social media, where supporters immediately turned the awkward moment into a joke.
Fans wasted no time
Newcastle supporters immediately began posting humorous reactions online.
One fan wrote: "I think we all know which nickname will win."
Another joked that the goalkeeper already had the perfect terrace chant waiting for him, while others admitted they were already looking forward to hearing what St James' Park would come up with during the season.
Big expectations on Tyneside
Behind the jokes, Newcastle believe they have signed one of Europe's most promising young goalkeepers.
Hornicek impressed during his time with Braga, earning a reputation as one of the Portuguese league's top emerging shot-stoppers.
The Magpies activated his £25.7 million release clause before handing him a five-year contract.
According to reports, new head coach Matthias Jaissle is expected to make Hornicek his first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming Premier League season.
His performances will determine whether he becomes a fan favourite on Tyneside, but one thing already seems certain: his old nickname is unlikely to disappear completely.