Tomas Rosicky has never really fulfilled his potential at Arsenal. He has made 198 appearances for the North London side, but has only shown the form he regularly demonstrated at Borussia Dortmund in fits and starts.
Whilst in the Bundesliga, Rosicky earned the nickname, ‘Little Mozart’. It’s telling that this moniker didn’t carry over into the Premier League. Whilst Rosicky can still influence a game on his day (he has scored 22 Arsenal goals and provided 24 assists), too often he ends up on the periphery.
It’s hard not to look at his injury record and wonder what could have happened had he enjoyed a clean bill of health. Whenever the Czech Republic has found some form, it’s always been interrupted by an extended spell out on the sidelines.
Now that he’s 33-years-old, he’s very much in the autumn of his career. Whilst he’s still surprisingly nippy and he’s a quick passer (last year Andre Villas-Boas said that Rosicky was Arsenal’s key player, but as he’s just got fired, perhaps we shouldn’t put too much stock in his comments), there’s sure to be a dip in quality over the coming seasons. This begs the question: what does the future hold for Tomas Rosicky?
The man himself is fairly realistic about his options. When asked about his future during a recent interview, Rosicky responded: “I would like to carry on but there are a few question marks. I would say within a few weeks we will know more. If the day comes and I leave Arsenal, then I will be surely considering a move to play on a different continent. If it was possible, I would love to end my career at Arsenal, which is something I have said many times before.
If I should leave, however, then I would be tempted to play in the USA. Football has been on the rise there and I’m interested in trying a different style of life. By that, I’m not ruling out a return to Sparta Prague, though.” (Source: The Star)
He seems to be covering every base here. I’m sure he’d love to stay at Arsenal (a team that now looks capable of challenging for silverware again), but should that not happen, he’s ready and willing to return to his old club, or to head for a new challenge in America.
Rosicky joined the Gunners in 2006, a year after they won their last trophy (the 2005 FA Cup). It would be a shame if he were to leave without earning silverware, but that’s football. He’s being pragmatic about his future, so perhaps Arsenal should act in the same fashion.
He’s in the final year of his contract and the Gunners have plenty of midfield options. Perhaps it’s time for the two to part ways?
What’s your take? Should Arsenal consider sending Tomas Rosicky on his way?
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The goals/assists stats don’t tell the full story of how well Rosicky has played for us, and he is now the perfect squad player for Arsenal. He can play anywhere in midfield, has loads of experience to go along with his immense talent and never gives less than 100% (in fact I don’t think he’s ever looked hungrier than he has this season). On top of that he’s a gentleman and a role model for younger players at the club. Letting him go would be a massive mistake particularly given that he clearly wants to stay on, judging by those quotes.
(Also, I call him a perfect squad player but I generally prefer to see him in the starting lineup for big matches)
I hate you for writing this. Rosicky is legendary and going nowhere.
Regardless his poor stats due to frequent injuries he gonna be an arsenal legend for his faith, matured statements and being role modal for many young players who are in large number in our team. As far as he doesn’t complicate the new contract, I would love to see him next season with arsenal tshirt.