Czech Republic international Tomas Rosicky has today joined
Arsenal Football Club from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund on a
long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.
Attacking midfielder Rosicky, 25, who has made 31 appearances in
the UEFA Champions League for Borussia Dortmund and Sparta Prague,
secured World Cup football for the Czech Republic this summer by
scoring the winning goal in the decisive qualifying play-off second
leg against Norway last November.
After joining Borussia Dortmund in January 2001, Tomas won the
Bundesliga and reached the UEFA Cup Final in his first full season
with the club (2001/02). He also enjoyed success with Sparta
Prague, where he won back-to-back Czech Republic league titles in
1999 and 2000.
Rosicky made his international debut aged 17 and represented his
country at the 2000 and 2004 European Championships. Tomas was also
recognised in his home country by becoming the youngest ever winner
of the Czech Player of the Year award in 2001 aged 20, and he went
on to repeat the honour the following season.
Manager Arsène 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, and we look forward to welcoming him to Arsenal after what
will hopefully be a successful summer for him at the World
Cup."
New Arsenal signing Rosicky said: "I'm really happy to be
here at Arsenal, it is a great day for me. The team showed its
strength recently in the Champions League and it has big potential
with a lot of young players, I think we can be even better next
season. This is the best club in Europe and I will give everything
for Arsenal."
Rosicky will join up with his new team-mates after competing in
this summer's FIFA World Cup.