New Staggie David was happy to Czech out from Liberec
David Cancola had already bumped fists and bid fond farewells.
An airline ticket from Prague to the UK, with connecting flight to the Scottish Highlands, was in his possession.
While the parting good wishes with Czech teammates were genuine back in January, top-flight side Slovan Liberec had been a wrong turn in the Austrian’s career.
He was glad to be leaving, with Ross County the next destination after a successful trial visit earlier that month.
It was only then that the realities of Brexit hit home, killing the January move and leaving the 24-yearold having to return to the northern Czech Republic city with his tail between his legs.
Visa and pandemicrelated complexities struck again this summer having penned a Bosman-style agreement with County after the initial move collapsed.
Suffice to say Cancola, who started out at Austria Vienna, breathed a deep sigh of relief on Monday after stepping on to the Dingwall training ground six months later than hoped.
He said: “Everything was basically agreed in January and I told the players at Slovan Liberec it was done.
“With just seven days left in the transfer period, we couldn’t get the visas sorted. It was just after Brexit and everything was chaotic. We just couldn’t get it done.
“I’m glad it has worked out now. Maybe it is for the better, who knows?
“Even this summer it took quite a long time with the visa situation. It’s got pretty hard now with the UK leaving the EU.
“Then I had to isolate myself for 10 days even though I had three negative Covid tests.
“It was pretty boring, but the chairman put me in a good hotel. Now it’s over. I’m just delighted to be part of it at Ross County.”
Cancola, briefly courted by Hearts a few seasons ago, is a creative midfielder new Staggies boss Malky Mackay is pinning high hopes upon.
As well as top league experience in two nations, he has appeared three times in the Europa League, including last season in a heavy defeat to Germany’s Hoffenheim.
Cancola said: “Growing up, I spent some years in a bi-lingual school in Austria. After signing the pre-contract in the winter, I freshened up my English skills.
“That helped, but I am still trying to get used to the Scottish accent!
“One thing I noticed right away, was the way people welcomed me. It was really exceptional, especially coming from Slovan Liberec.
“I don’t want to speak badly about anyone, but it was a difficult and different situation because they barely spoke English. It was really hard to communicate.
“Coming here was such a big difference. I heard a lot of good things about the club, how well they look after you, how stable it is. Also, in the Highlands, it is just beautiful.
“After I found out I was coming, I followed the league and County’s games. The level is really high. There are lots of good clubs, in my opinion.
“Every team plays with a really high intensity, which I was used to in the Czech league.
“Another thing I realised, even though the grounds were empty, is just how it must feel to play there with full stadiums. That’s another thing I’m looking forward to.”