Tomas Rosicky's agent has confirmed Chelsea almost signed
Arsenal's new boy.
The Czech international was a big target for the English champions
back in 2004, and The Blues bid 18 million (£12 million) for his
services - nearly twice as much as Arsenal are believed to have
paid Borussia Dortmund.
Pavel Paska has confirmed that Chelsea would not meet Borussia's
demands.
"Chelsea once offered Dortmund 18 million but Borussia demanded
22 million so the deal went wrong," Paska told Sport.
Rosicky, who sealed his move on Tuesday, was delighted to have
finally ended the speculation surrounding his future.
"I am happy the transfer speculations are gone, from now on I can
fully concentrate on the World Cup," said Rosicky.
"Arsenal is the best thing that could happen to me, I have always
dreamt about such a club.
"Everybody can see their attractive style of playing football. In
my opinion, Europe´s best two clubs met in the UEFA Champions
League final this year.
"I have signed for a top club in a top competition because I want
to improve my abilities. And what else would make me better than
playing for Arsenal? I am not lazy, otherwise I might easily stay
in Dortmund until the end of my career."
Rosicky, who normally wears number 10, insists he has not even
thought about such an issue.
"We have not talked about it at all, I don´t care. If they give me
79, I will gladly take it," he added.
The Little Mozart also confirmed the appeal of working with Arsene
Wenger.
"We were in London on Sunday evening. We met with Arsene Wenger and
vice-president David Dein. My agent Pavel Paska held talks over the
contract with David Dein and I talked with Mr Wenger about
football.
"He made a very good impression on me but I would not like to
reveal any more. It is only between the two of us."
