Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has confirmed his retirement from football.
The former Czech Republic international left The Emirates last year to return to Sparta Prague, the club at which he'd started his career. He spent a decade at Arsenal, who he joined after spending five years at Borussia Dortmund.
Rosicky's career has been hampered by injury, and he explained on Wednesday that this had played a significant part in his decision to announce his retirement.
"I am no longer able to fully prepare my body for what professional football requires," he explained.
"My body was telling me for a long time that it does not want any more," Rosicky later added.
Following the announcement, one Rosicky's former Arsenal teammates, Jack Wilshere, posted a heartfelt message to the 37-year-old, wishing him the best for the future.
"It was an absolute player to play with you," Wilshere begins. "I looked up to you as a player and as a person. We spent a lot of time together in the gym unfortunately.
"Thanks for all the memories and I'm sure you're going to have a happy retirement. And you'll probably go on to be a manager so maybe I'll see you soon."
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