I'm captain of a Bundesliga team and I was forced to flee a bear after terrifying encounter in the woods

FOOTBALLER Lukas Hradecky has revealed that he was chased by a bear whilst on a run in 2019.

The Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper spoke to German outlet BILD about his terrifying encounter.

The incident occurred whilst the 33-year-old was going for a jog in the woods in Bratislava.

Hradecky explained how the scary situation took place whilst he was trying to keep his fitness levels up in the off-season.

He said: “I saw a movement in the distance. I didn't stay there to see if it was a bear or a big dog.

"I wouldn't try to put you dead when a bear chases you. I trusted my feet and, thank God, came out happy - it was actually a bear."

Despite the fear that Hradecky experienced there was one positive of the terror induced dash.

The Finnish shot-stopper’s sprint was recorded, as Leverkusen were tracking the heart rates of their players over the summer break.

Hradecky said: “Our physical department can confirm that I had the highest pulse in all runs this summer.”

Bayer Leverkusen are currently enjoying an impressive campaign as they sit in sixth place in the Bundesliga.

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Xabi Alonso’s side also have a Europa League quarter-final clash to come as they hope to continue their form.

Hradecky has played a big part in their successes this season keeping six clean sheets in the league so far.