Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky announced his retirement from professional football on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old began and ended his career with Sparta Prague, also playing for Borussia Dortmund for five years before moving to the Premier League in 2006.
Rosicky, capped over 100 times by the Czech Republic, has struggled with injuries throughout his career and admitted that this had played a part in his decision to finally hang up his boots.
“I am no longer able to fully prepare my body for what professional football requires,” he explained in a statement on Sparta’s official website.
“My body was telling me for a long time that it does not want any more,” he added.
“I would probably have nothing to offer my team-mates and Sparta.
“I would like to thank Sparta for raising me, for being the first step in my career, and for allowing me to say goodbye at the place I love the most.”
Rosicky won two FA Cups during his time at Arsenal. While he only returned to Prague last year, injury also restricted the number of appearances he made for the North London club – especially towards the end of his ten years there.
With news of his retirement spreading, some football fans expressed their surprise at the fact Rosicky hadn’t already called time on his playing days.
https://twitter.com/TheMasterBucks/status/943455518672109568
Genuinely can’t believe Tomas Rosicky hadn’t already retired.
— ted wassonasong (@tedwassonasong) December 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/SamChipperfield/status/943433808833019904
**Breaking News** Thomas Rosicky wasn't already retired #Arsenal #AFC
— Simon Mahon (@Simon_Mahon) December 20, 2017
Didn't Tomas Rosicky retire in 2013?
— Josh (@_JoshDenham) December 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/farquharforever/status/943442960447868930
