Former Arsenal star Thomas Rosicky has retired from active football on Wednesday at 39 after a 19-year career that saw him spend ten in North London.
In a career largely punctuated by injuries, the former Czech international played 246 games for Arsenal after joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2006.
“After careful consideration I have realised I am no longer able to fully prepare my body for what the professional football requires,” Rosicky said at a press conference to announce his retirement.
“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.
“I knew it was coming. It was harder and harder to prepare for matches, my mind still wanted to play but my body refuse
“Recently my mind also stopped working this way. I had a great football career, I loved football and I would definitely go through it again.”
The midfielder bagged 28 goals for Arsene Wenger’s team during his spell in London.
