The leader of the Slovak national team and now former vice-captain of Feyenoord was prepared to sign a lucrative deal with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr. However, after arriving in Austria, where Cristiano Ronaldo's team had landed for their training camp, a surprise occurred.

The new club management informed the agents of the Prievidza native that they would not be counting on their client, and the deal was canceled. They didn't even transfer the agreed amount to Feyenoord for the left-footed defender. Thus, Dávid Hancko went to Germany, where his employer, with whom he had a contract until 2028, was training at that time.

"We didn't have a clear understanding. It kept getting postponed. Despite everything, David maintained that nothing was amiss. Mainly, that the family was well, and there are other priorities in life. We accepted it with the mindset that everything is as it should be," Hancko Sr. disclosed.

Notified via WhatsApp

The parents put it out of their minds at that moment. At home, they were tidying the garage when a sudden notification appeared on their phones.

"My daughter, David's sister, asked David in our family group if the rumors about Atletico were accurate. David confirmed that they were. And that's how we discovered that something was happening again," the father of the two-time Footballer of the Year runner-up in Slovakia for 2023 and 2024 recounted the subsequent moments.

The unsuccessful transfer ultimately led to a transfer to Atletico Madrid for approximately €30 million in the following hours. David Hancko thus became the most expensive Slovak footballer in history. He also surpassed the previous record ofMilan Škriniar, for whom Inter Milan paid Sampdoria €24 million in 2017.

"Considering everything that has transpired in the last few days, which felt like a rollercoaster, the only word that comes to mind is relief. Naturally, there's also a sense of happiness or pride. I feel a weight has been lifted from my heart. The entire family, especially David and his young family, knows their position. They can make future plans," continued Jan Hancko.

Funds that will also assist his hometown of Prievidza

The father of the former leader of the Rotterdam team is currently coaching the U15 team at Baník Prievidza, where Jan serves as managing director, and David joined as a part-owner.

"A significant portion of the funds that will come in will be allocated as agreed to pay for the club's acquisition by the original owner," he revealed.

Last season, the main team was promoted from the fourth to the third division, where they will compete after a seven-year absence. Prievidza can now anticipate an exciting financial boost, which will certainly benefit the miners from Horna Nitra.

"First of all, I am unaware of the contract details. David has an agency that has been representing him since the beginning of his career, and it falls within their purview," Jan continued.

"We have not discussed it at all. I don't know how much money will come in and under what conditions. However, this isn't the first time David has switched teams. He has changed clubs multiple times in the past, and funds have come our way at various times.

"Naturally, when it arrives, we will proceed as we have previously. We will meet with management and assess how to maximize its use for the club. I would also like to hear David's perspective on how he views it. Besides management, some partners are contributing their own funds. I will consider their opinions as well," revealed Hancko Sr.

Feyenoord legend

David Hancko is departing from Feyenoord after three years. He leaves on a high note and with the captain's armband, which he wore in the absence of Quinten Timber. The Slovak international lifted a trophy in every season he played in Rotterdam. He won the Eredivisie in his first year, the KNVB Beker in the next, and the Johan Cruyff Shield in 2024. The highlight was participating in the prestigious Champions League.

"Before that Champions League season, there were talks of a transfer, but he didn't move. At that time, I told him that at worst, he would play in the Champions League, which is exactly what happened (laughs). Feyenoord reached the furthest in decades,"emphasized the father of one of the best footballers from the Tatra Mountains.

In Rotterdam, he made 140 appearances, scored 15 goals, and provided 12 assists.

"So far, he has been fortunate to be in incredible cities - Prague, historic Florence, and modern Rotterdam, which was bombed during World War II.

"I will associate this three-year period with it and my grandson Adamek, with whom I had quite a memorable time there. Additionally, the club has passionate fans who can cheer even during warm-ups," Hancko senior reminisced about his previous experiences.

Five-year contract and Simeone's leadership

He will be the third Slovak in the Spanish La Liga, joining Mallorca's Dominik Greif and Martin Valjent. He has signed a five-year contract with Atletico Madrid, which expires at the end of the 2029/2030 season. FollowingArne Slot and Stefano Pioli, he can look forward to Diego Simeone's guidance.

"David always states that the truth lies on the pitch. Above all, he must validate everything there. I hope he performs as well as he did at Feyenoord. In a remarkably brief period, he secured a spot in the starting line-up.

"Subsequently, he played 119 consecutive games in the starting XI. He only missed a match in the cup. Throughout the entire three years, he has probably only missed two or three competitive matches," says Jan Hancko.

The Iron Man or The Rock, as Atleti referred to him during the presentation, faces a new challenge ahead. He will be defending alongside other world-class players such asLamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Robert Lewandowski, and Jude Bellingham.

Los Colchoneros will commence the upcoming La Liga season on 17 August against Espanyol.