Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 8y

Arsene Wenger hails Tomas Rosicky as 'perfect' Arsenal player

Arsene Wenger has praised Tomas Rosicky as the "perfect" Arsenal player and says he'll always be frustrated by the injuries that curtailed the midfielder's career.

Monday marks exactly 10 years since Rosicky signed for Arsenal, and he went on to make 246 appearances in all competitions. However, the midfielder only made one appearance this season because of two separate injuries and is leaving the Emirates in the summer after his contract expires.

"It will always be a frustration [he didn't play more games] because first of all Tomas was an exceptional talent," Wenger told the Arsenal website.

"I personally, like we all do here, love the player. The standing ovation he gets every time he walks out there tells you a lot. We love the man as well, and his attitude, and his exceptional class and qualities. It's sad [that he's leaving] but I must say, for me it was a privilege to manage him."

Rosicky, who still hopes to be fit enough to play for the Czech Republic at the Euro 2016, has always been a fan favourite at Arsenal and was given a rousing send-off at the Emirates after the team's last game against Aston Villa.

The midfielder became known as "Little Mozart" because of his technical ability, and scored a number of memorable goals for the Gunners, including against North London rivals Tottenham in both the league and FA Cup in 2014.

"He makes it look very easy when he's playing. He has a quality -- when the ball comes to him the game suddenly becomes a bit quicker, more incisive, more mobile," Wenger added.

"He had all the football qualities to play the game we love to play here, and I would say Tomas Rosicky was the perfect player for Arsenal Football Club."

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