New offensive power

Fans were getting nervous as it took some time to announce new signings, but here they are! Picault already travelled with the team to the Canary Islands on Saturday, Shala will join the boys on Tuesday, arriving from Norway.

There’s no doubt that both offensive players are as excited to become a part of the team, as the fans are excited to see them playing in the Sparta kit.

“I’m really happy to be here. There was a couple of other clubs interested, but Sparta was on the top of my list,” says Fabrice Picault, an American attacker, after moving from the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

The situation was almost the same for Shala, who confirms:

“Standard Liége and some bigger European clubs were interested, but once I came to Prague to see everything and also after meeting the coach and the sports director, my heart chose Sparta,” Shala says.

The story of Albanian talented midfielder is touching. His parents were born in Kosovo, but Herolind himself was already born in Norway. That’s where he started to play football and where he made his biggest impact so far with Odds BK.

After being called-up to represent both Norway and Albania in U21 category, he had to decide which country to choose, but that was an easy decision for him.

“My parents were born in Kosovo, so I still consider it my country, even though I was born in Norway. There’s this patriotism in me, so when I got the chance to give something back to Albania, I knew it was the right thing to do. I have never regretted my decision,” Shala says.

Picault’s situation was similar here. Both of his parents were born in Haiti, but he grew up in the US.

“My parents moved to the US in their childhood, so I really have a strong bound to the country. It’s where I grew up. Also, it’s always been my dream to make the USA national team,” Fabrice says.

Picault truly is an International player – and he is determined to leave his mark at Sparta as well. He speaks five languages, and was to add Czech soon.

“I speak English, Spanish, Italian, French and I also speak Creole, which is how they speak in Haiti. Sure I’d like to start speaking Czech, soon, but right now I can only say ‘Hello’, ‘Thank you’ or ‘Good night’. I probably know how to swear, too,” he laughs.

Now it’s the time for both players to make an impact at Letná. Picault signed a 1-year contract, Shala for 3,5 years. Sparta’s new offensive power is ready.