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Tomas Rosicky Sends Classy Message To Arsenal Fans After Announcing Retirement

Tomas Rosicky Sends Classy Message To Arsenal Fans After Announcing Retirement

The former Gunners' No.7 has called it a day.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has sent a classy message to the club's supporters after announcing his retirement from football.

In a statement on their website, the Czech midfielder said, "After careful consideration I have realised I am no longer able to fully prepare my body for what the professional football requires.

"I would like to thank Sparta for raising me, for being the first step in my career in big clubs, and for allowing me to say goodbye at the place I love the most."

The 37-year old came from the youth ranks at Sparta and went on to captain the team before making the switch to Borussia Dortmund in 2001.

Rosicky's retirement means every player from Nike's incredible 'Secret Tournament' advert in 2002 are no longer playing:

Credit: Nike

He won one Bundesliga title in Germany during his stint there and joined Arsenal in 2006. The former No.7 was riddled with injuries during his decade in North London but developed a strong bond with the club's fans, with whom he was immensely popular with.

Image: PA

And immediately after electing to call time on his 19-year career earlier today, he called Arsenal and requested to make one last message to all the Gooners.

Speaking to the official Arsenal website, he said:

"For one last time, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Arsenal Football Club. For me, it's a fantastic club and it was always an honour for me to play for Arsenal. I always had a special bond with the fans.

"Every time I played, they knew that I was playing for the shirt. I always played for the shirt because it was an honour for me to represent such a great club like Arsenal. One thing is for sure, I'm a Gunner forever."

The three-time Czech Republic player of the year made 246 appearances for Arsene Wenger's side, scoring 28 goals. A player who absolutely loved a derby goal against Tottenham, Rosicky won two FA cups in his time at the club - successes that were really special to him.

Image: PA

"That's what I wanted - to win a trophy with Arsenal. There's a regret that we didn't win the Premier League, but after such a long time, it was a great moment.

"For the fans as well, the connection between the players and the fans that day was absolutely amazing. I'm repeating myself but I've enjoyed every minute playing for Arsenal because it's an amazing club.

"I always loved to play for Arsène Wenger and for his vision of how football should be played. It was absolutely great."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal