Medal of Merit for Nedved

The accolades keep coming for new Juventus vice president Pavel Nedved, who was awarded the Medal of Merit at last night’s ceremony in his native Czech Republic.

The recognition, given to those who have provided meritorious services to the state, was presented to him directly by the nation’s president Milos Zeman in Prague.

Speaking afterwards, Nedved said: “I’m genuinely thrilled. Up until this point the Ballon d’Or was the most prestigious accolade I’d received, but this honour is even more important. Throughout history, the Medal of Merit has been given to true heroes and to be associated with them is a great honour for me.”