Full name David Jarolím Playing position 1991–1995 Slavia Prague Parents Karel Jarolím Siblings Lukáš Jarolím | Height 1.74 m Position Midfielder | |
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Date of birth (1979-05-17) 17 May 1979 (age 37) Number 23 (Evian Thonon Gaillard F.C. / Midfielder) Similar Mladen Petrić, Karel Jarolím, Lukáš Jarolím, Karel Piták | ||
David Jarolím ( [ˈdavɪt ˈjaroliːm]; born 17 May 1979 in Čáslav) is a Czech former footballer. A central midfielder by position, Jarolím was known for his stamina, passing and technical skill.
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Club career
Born in Caslav, Czechoslovakia, Jarolím began his professional career with SK Slavia Praha before transferring to German club FC Bayern Munich while still a teenager. Although he spent three seasons with the German giants, from 1997 to 2000, he played in only one competitive match with the first team squad.
Jarolím transferred to second division club 1. FC Nürnberg before the 2000–01 season, and played in nine matches during their promotion campaign. During the 2001–02 season, Jarolím established himself as a key player in the Nürnberg squad, attracting the attention of other top clubs.
Following Nürnberg's relegation after the 2002–03 season, an agreement was reached for Jarolím's transfer to Hamburger SV at the close of the 2003–04 season. However, just before the close of the transfer window in September 2003, the deal was brought forward, allowing Jarolím to play for Hamburg during that season. Jarolím has been an important member of Hamburg's first team squad ever since. After Rafael van der Vaart joined Real Madrid, he took over as team captain.
International career
A former Czech U-21 international, Jarolím made his senior debut for the reformed Czech Republic national team on 8 October 2005. He was selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup but did not see much playing time. During Euro 2008 qualifying he was regularly used as a substitute, making only one start, but did manage a goal in the 7–0 thrashing of San Marino. He played in all three matches at the tournament but the Czechs failed to progress past the group stage.
Personal life
Jarolím's father Karel, current coach of Czech Republic national football team, is also a former Slavia player and Czechoslovakia international. David's older brother Lukáš and cousin Marek Jarolím are also professional players.