Tomas Rosicky
Born: October 4, 1980
Birthplace: Prague, Czech Republic
Height: 5' 8''
Weight: 10.7 Pos: M
Age: 26
GP 19 | G 1 | A 3 (2006/07 Premiership)
Arsenal signed this Czech Republic international in May 2006 for an
undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £7million.
Rosicky, who was a target of Spanish side Atletico Madrid, is an
energetic, attacking midfielder with a penchant for the spectacular
and an impressive range of passing.
The midfielder was brought in after Robert Pires left the club at
the end of his contract.
After he bagged a superb brace in the Czech Republic's opening game
of the 2006 World Cup against the United States many were hailing
the signing as Arsene Wenger's latest transfer coup.
But Rosicky had been a major name on the continental scene for many
years, at one time being the most expensive Bundesliga signing
after Borussia Dortmund bought him from Sparta Prague for
£18million.
Rosicky made his professional debut for Sparta in 1998 and was an
instant success. He earned the nickname 'the Little Mozart' in
helping his hometown club win three successive league titles.
That led to interested from Europe's bigger leagues but it was
Dortmund who smashed the German transfer record to complete the
signing of one of the hottest young prospects in the game.
He was handed his international debut as a 19-year-old against the
Republic of Ireland in 2000 and soon became an integral part of an
exciting side.
Rosicky was part of a Dortmund team which enjoyed a fine run of
success. They won the title in his first season and also reached
the final of the UEFA Cup before losing to Feyenoord
Rotterdam.
But Dortmund's fortunes took a downturn when they hit financial
problems and they were no longer a force in the race for honours.
As such, it came as no real surprise when the club - facing a
second successive campaign without European competition - cashed in
their chips with the player eager for a new challenge.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: 'We are delighted to welcome Tomas
to our squad. He has great technique, skill on the ball and sharp
passing.
'Tomas has good experience at all levels for club and country.'