Former West Ham and Czech international goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died aged 64, five years after he was diagnosed with cancer, the English Championship club announced on Monday.
Miklosko made nearly 400 appearances for the Hammers between 1990 and 1997 after joining from Banik Ostrava, and later played for QPR.
The Czech helped West Ham win promotion to the top flight in 1991 and 1993 and was much loved by supporters, who regularly sang his name long after he left the club. He later returned as a goalkeeping coach.
Miklosko announced his decision to withdraw from further cancer treatment in December 2024 in order to "live a normal life".
"It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United announces the passing of legendary former goalkeeper and coach, Ludek Miklosko," West Ham said in a statement.
"Rest in peace Ludek, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man."
Banik Ostrava described their former player as an "outstanding goalkeeper and above all a great personality".
London-based West Ham said they would honour Miklosko with a period of appreciation at Tuesday's League Cup third-round match against Fulham.
In a statement shared by West Ham, his son Martin said: "We are heartbroken at his loss, but take huge comfort from the immense support he received from all of you, along with the knowledge that he is now at peace and no longer suffering."
Petr Cech, a star goalkeeper with Chelsea and Arsenal from 2004-2019, hailed Miklosko for paving the way to the English top flight for other Czech goalkeepers.
"Today is a sad day because a man who has done a lot for football – whether for Czech football or our trace in the Premier League – has passed away," Cech said in a statement, hailing Miklosko's "humanity".
"I hope people will realise what a huge trace he has left in Czech football and that his memory will remain in our hearts forever," Cech added.