Marek Jankulovski
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Very long Template:Infobox football biography Marek Jankulovski (born 9 May 1977) is a Czech former professional footballer who played as a defender. His most notable achievements include winning the UEFA Champions League with AC Milan and being voted the 2007 Czech Footballer of the Year. He earned 77 caps for the Czech Republic, and represented them at three UEFA European Championships, the 2000 Summer Olympics and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
A quick, tenacious, and hardworking player, Jankulovski was well known for his versatility, being able to play anywhere on the left side, and was used as a full-back, as a wing-back, and as a winger throughout his career. He was also known for his ability to cross the ball, as well as his considerable technical ability and energetic attacking runs down the left flank.<ref name="AC Milan Pen Pics">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Jankulovski Milan">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Club careerEdit
Baník OstravaEdit
Jankulovski started his career for Baník Ostrava after joining from NH Ostrava.<ref name="Jankulovski NH Ostrava">Template:Cite news</ref> In 1994, he made a breakthrough into the first team, as the club finished in third place in the league.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski started out, playing in the attacking midfield position before playing in the defender position and established himself in the first team.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Jankulovski scored in the opening game of the 1999–2000 season in a 6–1 win against Chmel Blšany.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> A week later he opened the scoring in a 2–2 home draw against Sigma Olomouc.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It was not until 27 February 2000 when Jankulovski scored his third goal of the season, in a 4–1 win against Sigma Olomouc.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This was followed by scoring twice in a 3–1 victory against Drnovice.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He then went on to score three goals later in the 1999–2000 season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> By the end of the 1999–2000 season, Jankulovski had made 27 appearances and scored eight times in all competitions; his performance at Baník Ostrava attracted interest from foreign clubs.Template:Citation needed By the time he left the club, Jankulovski had made a total of 110 league appearances, scoring fifteen goals.
NapoliEdit
Following his participation in the UEFA Euro 2000, Napoli began negotiations of signing Jankulovski.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The transfer was confirmed on 29 June 2000.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He was one of a large number of players brought in by new Czech manager Zdeněk Zeman.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski said about his compatriot manager, Zeman: "I had heard of Zeman's methods in my country. I had prepared myself to suffer. Yet I am still in pieces, after having faced many kilometers of running in a few days. It is a different preparation from what I was used to."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Jankulovski made his debut for Napoli, playing the whole game, in a 1–1 draw against Lecce on 1 November 2000.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 loss against Vicenza four days later.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After the match, La Repubblica praised his performance.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Since joining Napoli, however, Jankulovski found his playing time, mostly coming from the substitute bench.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He scored his second goal for the club in a 6–2 victory against Reggina on 16 December 2000, coming as a substitute in the 75th minute.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, Jankulovski received a straight red card in the 89th minute, having come on as a 70th-minute substitute, in a goalless draw against Perugia on 18 March 2001.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 14 April 2001, after serving a one match suspension, he scored on his comeback as a substitute in the 87th minute against Bari.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, the club could not avoid relegation to Serie B.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the 2000–01 season, he had made twenty appearances and scored once in all competitions.
Ahead of the 2001–02 Serie A, Jankulovski remained at Napoli despite the club's relegation.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He scored his first goal of the season in a 2–1 loss against Siena on 12 August 2001.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After the start of said season Jankulovski continued to regain his first-team place, rotating in playing either left midfield and central midfield.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Early in the 2001–02 season he was linked with a move to Premier League side West Ham United,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> as well as Italian sides Lecce, Fiorentina and Torino.<ref name="signed-Udinese">Template:Cite news</ref>
By December, he began playing at left-back.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Later, Jankulovski scored two goals in the next two matches against Cosenza and Pistoiese between 9 December 2001 and 14 December 2001.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After missing two missing two matches due to injury, he made a comeback by scoring in a 1–1 draw against Cagliari on 24 February 2002.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski then scored in a 1–1 draw against Palermo,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and in a 2–1 loss against Siena.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite suffering injuries throughout the season, he made 33 appearances in all competitions, scoring six times.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
UdineseEdit
In February 2002, Jankulovski signed a four-year contract with Serie A side Udinese, staying with Napoli on loan for the rest of the 2001–02 season.<ref name="signed-Udinese"/>
Jankulovski made his debut for the club, coming on as a 57th-minute substitute, in a 1–1 draw against Parma in the opening game of the 2002–03 season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After joining Udinese, he quickly became a first-team regular, rotating in playing either at left-back or in midfield for the next five matches.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After missing five matches that saw him sidelined for a month, Jankulovski returned to the first team, coming on as a 66th-minute substitute, in a 2–1 win against Empoli on 8 December 2002.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He then helped Udinese keep three consecutive clean sheets between 18 December 2002 and 12 January 2003.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite being sidelined towards the end of the 2002–03 season, Jankulovski continued to regain his first-team place, rotating in playing either left-back or in midfield.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He scored his first goal for the club, in a 3–2 loss against Parma on 2 February 2003.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This was followed by scoring his second goal of the season, in a 2–1 win against Piacenza.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski scored his third goal of the season, in a 3–2 win against Como on 19 April 2003.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He, once again, scored two goals in two matches in the remaining two matches of the 2002–03 season against Perugia and Lazio.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the 2002–03 season, Jankulovski had made 29 appearances and scored five times in all competitions.Template:Citation needed
Ahead of the 2003–04 season, Jankulovski's performances attracted interest from Serie A clubs but he ended up staying at Udinese.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The start of the season saw Jankulovski continue to regain his first-team place, rotating in playing either left-back or in midfield in the first 12 matches of the season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He played in both legs of the UEFA Cup's first round against Austria Salzburg, as the club lost 3–2 on aggregate.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski then scored his first goal of the season, in a 4–1 loss against Juventus on 9 November 2003.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> A month later, he scored in both legs of the Coppa Italia last 16 against Bologna, as Udinese won 4–0 aggregate.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski's fourth goal of the season came on 25 January 2004, in a 1–1 draw against Roma.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He added two more goals in February, coming against Bologna and Ancona.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski added two more goals in May and saw the club qualify for UEFA Cup next season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite missing two matches during the 2003–04 season, he made 38 appearances, scoring eight times in all competitions.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In the summer of 2004, Jankulovski was linked with a move to Juventus and CSKA Moscow.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Eventually, he ended up staying at Udinese, having rejected a move to CSKA Moscow, preferring to remain in Italy.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Having missed the opening game of the season, due to injury, Jankulovski made his first appearance of the season, starting the whole game, in a 3–1 loss against Panionios in the first leg of the UEFA Cup first round on 16 September 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Three days later on 19 September 2004, he scored his first goal of the season, in a 4–0 loss against Parma.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, a week later against Brescia on 26 September 2004, Jankulovski received a straight red card for unsportsmanlike behaviour in the 80th minute, in a 2–1 loss.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Four days later on 30 September 2004, in the return leg against Panionios in the UEFA Cup first round, he received another red card for unsportsmanlike attitude, as the club won 1–0, but was eliminated from the tournament following a 3–2 loss on aggregate.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After serving a one match suspension, Jankulovski returned to the starting line-up against Inter Milan on 17 October 2004, as Udinese lost 3–1.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Three days later on 20 October 2004, he signed a contract with the club, keeping him until June 2008.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following his return from suspension, Jankulovski regained his first-team place, playing at both right midfield and left midfield.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He then scored twice, scoring an equaliser and converting the penalty to score the winning goal of the game, in a 4–3 win against Lecce on 7 November 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a match against AC Milan on 16 January 2005, Jankulovski scored an own goal, in a 3–1 loss.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He was able to make amends from mistakes by scoring his fourth goal of the season, in a 3–0 win against Chievo on 2 February 2005.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After serving a one-match suspension, Jankulovski returned to the starting line-up against Milan in the second leg of the Coppa Italia quarter-final, and set up one of the goals in a 4–1 win, resulting in Udinese progressing to the semi-final with a 6–4 win on aggregate.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following this, he regained his first team place, starting in the next seven matches for the club.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This lasted until when Jankulovski suffered an ankle injury that saw him sidelined for the rest of the 2004–05 season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Across the 2004–05 season, he made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring four times.Template:Citation needed
AC MilanEdit
In June 2005, Jankulovski was unveiled as an AC Milan player after signing a three-year contract for a fee of around 11 million Euros from Udinese.<ref name=sign-milan>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Jankulovski Milan"/> Milan had been keen on signing him since December 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Due to the broken ankle he sustained in May, Jankulovski spent time in Milan with the club's physiotherapist while his new club had a pre–season tour in the United States.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski subsequently made his Milan debut as a late substitute in a 1–1 draw against Ascoli in the opening game of the 2005–06 season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Once again, he suffered another injury that saw him out for a month.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski returned to the first team from injury, coming on as a 78th-minute substitute, in a 2–0 win against Cagliari on 16 October 2005.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This was followed up by making his first start for the club and setting up a winning goal for Filippo Inzaghi, in a 2–1 win against Palermo.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He made his UEFA Champions League debut, coming on as a second-half substitute, in a 1–0 win against PSV Eindhoven on 1 November 2005.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following his return from injury, Jankulovski found himself in and out of the starting line-up, due to competitions he faced.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He scored his first goal for Milan, in a 3–1 win against Messina on 22 April 2006.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This was followed up by setting up another goal for Inzaghi, in a 2–0 win against Livorno.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> By the end of the 2005–06 season, Jankulovski had made 28 appearances and scored once across all competitions.Template:Citation needed
Ahead of the 2006–07 season, Jankulovski's future at Milan was in doubt, due to his lack of first team opportunities.<ref>Template:Cite news<be>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> But he made it clear to stay at the club.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski started the season well when he helped the club keep six consecutive clean sheets between 13 September 2006 and 1 October 2006.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During which, Jankulovski scored his first goal of the season, scoring the only goal of the game, in a 1–0 win against Ascoli on 20 September 2006.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He then scored his second goal of the season, once again, scoring the only goal of the game, in a 1–0 win against Chievo on 25 October 2006.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Since the start of the 2006–07 season, Jankulovski quickly established himself at left-back.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Upon the arrival of with Massimo Oddo, he became one of Milan's best players, and together, they were relied upon when the club lacked traditional wingers among the attacking players.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 11 February 2007, Jankulovski scored from 25 yards, which turns out to be a winning goal, in a 2–1 win against Livorno.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Shortly after, he signed a new contract with Milan, keeping him until 2011.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski helped the club keep three consecutive clean sheets between 28 April 2007 and 6 May 2007, including a 3–0 win against Manchester United in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League that sent the club into the final.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 23 May 2007, he took part, starting at left-back and contributed to Milan's 2–1 victory in the final of the UEFA Champions League against Liverpool.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After the match, Jankulovski said: "I can't even describe how I feel. It's beautiful. You could say it was random, but then we believed we could do it. It helped us, we were ahead of the half and we knew Liverpool had to open the game. This was confirmed and we finally added a second goal. Especially in the first half, they were better. I wasn't in the team at the time, but the memories are still alive. Fortunately, we've done it now."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Jankulovski NH Ostrava"/> La Repubblica commentened on his performance, saying: "The crooked things of a Milan that travel under the track are all his. Benítez, on the left wing, organized an uncomfortable saucer for him, Pennant going, Mascherano introducing himself and looking for contrast."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite being sidelined on five occasions throughout the 2006–07 season, Jankulovski made fifty appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
At the start of the 2007–08 season, Jankulovski started at left-back against Sevilla in the 2007 UEFA Super Cup held on 31 August 2007 and scored the second goal of Milan's victory with a volley following a pass from Andrea Pirlo.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He then regained his first-team place, playing at left-back in the first two months to the season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following a 1–0 loss against Empoli on 21 October 2007, Jankulovski suffered a knee injury and was expected to be out somewhere between two and six months.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In early December, he made a recovery from injury and made his return to the first team against Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup and helped the club keep a clean sheet to win 1–0 to advance to the final.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite appearing as an unused substitute, Milan went on to win the tournament after beating Boca Juniors 4–2 on 16 December 2007.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, his return was short-lived when Jankulovski suffered a knee injury that kept him out for two months.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He made his return to the first team from injury against Siena on 10 February 2008 and started the whole game to help the club a clean sheet, in a 1–0 win.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following this, Jankulovski continued to be involved in the first team despite suffering further injuries later in the 2007–08 season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Across the 2007–08 season, he made nineteen appearances and scored once in all competitions. Following this, on 28 May 2008, Jankulovski was named the 2007's Czech Player of the Year, with Petr Čech coming in second place.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
At the start of the 2008–09 season, Jankulovski regained his first-team place, playing at left-back.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He scored his first goal of the season, in a 3–1 win against FC Zürich on 18 September 2008.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Three days later on 21 September 2008, Jankulovski set up one of the goals, in a 4–1 win against Lazio.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He then helped Milan keep four league consecutive clean sheets between 28 September 2008 and 26 October 2008.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski then helped the club keep three consecutive clean sheets between 22 March 2009 and 11 April 2009.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Despite missing three matches in the 2008–09 season, he made 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring once.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following this, Jankulovski undergo a surgery on his ankle and recovered from his injury.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
At the start of the 2009–10 season, Jankulovski became a first-team regular for Milan, starting at left-back in the team's first six matches of the season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, he was dropped from the first team and was demoted to the substitute bench, as Luca Antonini took over the left-back position.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, Jankulovski suffered ankle injury that saw him out for the rest of the year.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It wasn't until on 6 January 2010 when he made his return to the first team, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute, in a 5–2 win against Genoa.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Due to lack of first team opportunities, Milan were said to have offered Jankulovski to Inter in exchange for Mancini during the winter transfer period.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, he refused to move to the club's bitter rivals and later said that betraying Milan was not an option, stating, "Truth be told, I didn't give it much thought... I wanted to stay at Milan, I've been here for five years and I'm settled."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following this, he later made five starts later in the 2009–10 season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite facing further sidelined later in the 2009–10 season, Jankulovski managed sixteen appearances in all competitions.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Ahead of the 2010–11 season, Jankulovski said he wanted to stay at Milan despite expecting to be behind the pecking order.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski continued to remain on the sidelines for the first four months of the season due to injuries and Antonini remained as the club's first-choice left-back.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He made his first appearance of the season, coming on as a late substitute, in a 3–1 win against Palermo on 10 November 2010.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, his return was short-lived when Jankulovski suffered another injury that kept him out for two months.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It was not until 26 January 2011 when he made his first appearances in two months, coming on as an 80th-minute substitute in a 2–1 win against Sampdoria in the quarter-final of the Coppa Italia.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Four days later on 30 January 2011, Jankulovski announced his intention to leave Milan at the end of the 2010–11 season and return to the Czech Republic to close out his career.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following the absence of Antonini, Jankulovski made three starts for the club, playing at left-back.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a match against Palermo on 17 March 2011, however, Jankulovski suffered a knee injury and was substituted in the 17th minute, as Milan lost 1–0.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After the match, he had surgery on his left knee, causing him to miss the rest of the 2010–11 season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite this, Jankulovski was part of the Milan team that won the Serie A title that season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> By the end of the 2010–11 season, he had made eight appearances in all competitions.
Return to Baník OstravaEdit
On 10 October 2011, Jankulovski returned to play club football in the Czech Republic for the first time since leaving Baník Ostrava for Italy 11 years before.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He made his first appearance for Baník in eleven years against Hradec Králové on 15 October 2011 but managed to play just eight minutes after coming on as a substitute before suffering a knee injury and leaving the pitch, in what turned out to be his last professional football match.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 20 February 2012, he announced his retirement due to being unable to recover from his knee injury.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In June 2013, Jankulovski was given a Testimonial match at Bazaly, in which he played for both sides.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
International careerEdit
Early international careerEdit
Jankulovski represented the Czech Republic youth national football teams ranging from U16 to U21.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 8 February 2000, Jankulovski made his senior team debut, playing the whole match in a 2–1 victory against Mexico.<ref name="Jankulovski Goal.com">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cite news</ref>
In June 2000, Jankulovski was named in the squad for UEFA Euro 2000.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He played in a 2–1 loss against France on 16 June 2000, coming on as a 62nd-minute substitute for Tomáš Rosický. Due to the loss, his nation were eliminated from the tournament.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Four days later, Jankulovski made another substitute appearance, coming on in the 61st minute of a 2–0 victory against Denmark.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Jankulovski made his first senior international start in a 1–0 loss against Slovenia on 16 August 2000.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> One month later, he was called up to the Czech Republic Olympic squad in the 2000 Summer Olympics.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski scored in the tournament in a 2–2 draw against the United States on 13 September 2000.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He played twice more in the tournament, as the Czech Republic were eliminated from the group stage.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 1 September 2001, Jankulovski scored his first international in a 3–1 loss against Iceland.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This was followed up by scoring his second senior international goal in a 3–2 victory against Malta.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He played in both legs of play–offs against Belgium, as the national side lost 2–0 on aggregate.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
UEFA Euro 2004Edit
Following the failure to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Jankulovski helped the Czech Republic keep three consecutive clean sheets between 27 March and 18 May 2002.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He scored his third goal for the Czech Republic in a 2–0 victory against Moldova on 12 October 2002.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 2 April 2003, Jankulovski scored his fourth goal for the national side in a 4–0 victory against Austria.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In June 2004, he was called up to the squad for UEFA Euro 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski became the Czech Republic's first-choice left-back and helped the national team progress through the group stage and the quarter-final.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, he helped the Czech Republic finish third place in the tournament after losing 1–0 against Greece on 1 July 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2006 FIFA World CupEdit
After the UEFA Euro 2004, Jankulovski helped the national team keep four consecutive clean sheets between 9 October 2004 and 5 February 2005.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> One month later on 30 March 2005, he scored his seventh goal for the Czech Republic in a 4–0 victory against Andorra.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski then played against Norway in both legs of play–offs, as the national side won 2–0 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In May 2006, he was named in the Czech Republic squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Jankulovski then helped the national team keep four consecutive clean sheets between 26 May and 12 June 2006, including scoring once against Saudi Arabia and then in the opening match of the group stage against the United States.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski became the Czech Republic's first-choice left-back in the next two matches, as the team was eliminated in the group stage.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
UEFA Euro 2008Edit
Following the end of 2006 World Cup, Jankulovski continued to be the Czech Republic's first-choice left-back throughout UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In September 2007 he scored in a 3–0 away win against San Marino.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He scored the only goal of the game the same month against the Republic of Ireland, picking up a second yellow card in the competition and causing him to miss the following competitive game, against Germany in October.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Czech Republic went on beat Germany in their next competitive fixture on 17 October 2007, qualifying for UEFA Euro 2008 in the process.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 14 May 2008, it was announced that Jakulovski would be included in the Czech Republic squad for UEFA Euro 2008.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He was the team's first-choice left-back throughout the tournament and played all three matches, as the Czech Republic were eliminated in the group stage.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Late international careerEdit
Having previously hinted about international retirement after UEFA Euro 2008,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jakulovski had a change of heart on retirement.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He was called up to the national team on 11 August 2008.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski scored a direct free kick for the Czech Republic in a 2–2 draw in a friendly against England seven days later on 18 August.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He continued to be the team's first-choice left-back during the qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski scored for the Czech Republic in a 2–1 loss against Slovakia on 1 April 2009, with a shot which deflected off Slovak defender Martin Škrtel before going in the net.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The national team failed to qualify for FIFA World Cup, finishing behind Slovakia and Slovenia in October 2009.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski announced his retirement from international football later the same month.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Style of playEdit
Although he usually played on the left side of midfield, Jankulovski also played in defence.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Post playing careerEdit
Shortly after announcing his retirement from professional football, Baník Ostrava appointed Jankulovski as its consultant.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He also worked as a pundit for the UEFA Champions League coverage on Czech channel Prima Cool.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Having expressed interest in working for Baník Ostrava,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski was appointed as the club's sporting director on 11 June 2018.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After two seasons at Baník Ostrava, he left his role as the club's sporting director on 13 July 2020.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Personal lifeEdit
His father, Pando Jankulovski, is a Macedonian who emigrated to Czechoslovakia from Yugoslavia,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> while his mother, Ludmila, is Czech.<ref name="Jankulovski Father">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jankulovski used an interpreter for Italian after moving to the country and was criticised by Italian media for his ability in the language ten years later.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He is married to Jana Jankulovska and they have two daughters, Karolína and Kristýna.<ref name="Jankulovski Father"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In May 2006, Jankulovski was accused of placing bets through an illegal bookmaker, along with three other players; which Betting was not illegal for Italian players until November 2005.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The investigation lasted until June 2007 when he was cleared of all charges against him.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In May 2009, Jankulovski was accused of placing bets through an illegal bookmaker, along with three other players once again.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The investigation lasted until July 2010 when he was cleared of all charges facing him.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In January 2016, Jankulovski was named as one of several players accused of tax evasion.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Career statisticsEdit
ClubEdit
- Source:<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
| Club | Season | League | National cup | Europe | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Baník Ostrava | 1994–95 | Czech First League | 1 | 0 | – | – | 1 | 0 | ||||
| 1995–96 | Czech First League | 9 | 1 | – | – | 9 | 1 | |||||
| 1996–97 | Czech First League | 21 | 1 | – | – | 21 | 1 | |||||
| 1997–98 | Czech First League | 26 | 3 | – | – | 26 | 3 | |||||
| 1998–99 | Czech First League | 26 | 2 | – | – | 26 | 2 | |||||
| 1999–2000 | Czech First League | 27 | 8 | – | – | 27 | 8 | |||||
| Total | 110 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 110 | 15 | ||
| Napoli | 2000–01 | Serie A | 20 | 3 | – | – | 20 | 3 | ||||
| 2001–02 | Serie B | 31 | 5 | 2 | 1 | – | – | 33 | 6 | |||
| Total | 51 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 53 | 9 | ||
| Udinese | 2002–03 | Serie A | 27 | 5 | 2 | 0 | – | – | 29 | 5 | ||
| 2003–04 | Serie A | 32 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2Template:Efn | 0 | – | 38 | 8 | ||
| 2004–05 | Serie A | 32 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 2Template:Efn | 0 | – | 38 | 4 | ||
| Total | 91 | 15 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 104 | 17 | ||
| AC Milan | 2005–06 | Serie A | 22 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2Template:Efn | 0 | – | 28 | 1 | |
| 2006–07 | Serie A | 33 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 13Template:Efn | 0 | – | 50 | 3 | ||
| 2007–08 | Serie A | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3Template:Efn | 0 | 2Template:Efn | 1 | 19 | 1 | |
| 2008–09 | Serie A | 31 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6Template:Efn | 1 | – | 38 | 1 | ||
| 2009–10 | Serie A | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2Template:Efn | 0 | – | 12 | 0 | ||
| 2010–11 | Serie A | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1Template:Efn | 0 | – | 7 | 0 | ||
| Total | 113 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 154 | 6 | ||
| Baník Ostrava | 2011–12 | Czech First League | 1 | 0 | – | – | 1 | 0 | ||||
| Career total | 366 | 42 | 23 | 3 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 421 | 47 | ||
InternationalEdit
- Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name="nft">Template:NFT</ref>
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic | 2000 | 4 | 0 |
| 2001 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2002 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2003 | 8 | 3 | |
| 2004 | 14 | 0 | |
| 2005 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2006 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2007 | 6 | 2 | |
| 2008 | 10 | 1 | |
| 2009 | 6 | 1 | |
| Total | 78 | 12 |
HonoursEdit
- Serie A: 2010–11Template:Citation needed
- UEFA Champions League: 2006–07<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- UEFA Super Cup: 2007<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- FIFA Club World Cup: 2007<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
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