Former Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Tomas Rosicky has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 37-year-old, who re-joined boyhood club Sparta Prague in August 2016, revealed his body was no longer up to the challenges of the game.

Rosicky's contract had been due to run until June 2018 but he felt the time was right to call time on an impressive career.

“After careful consideration I have realised I am no longer able to fully prepare my body for what professional football requires," Rosicky said at a press conference on Wednesday.

"I would like to thank Sparta for raising me, for being the first step in my career in big clubs, and for allowing me to say goodbye at the place I love the most."

Rosicky made his debut for the Czech Republic in 2000 and was named captain in 2006. He retired from international football in 2016 with 105 caps and 23 goals to his name.
Rosicky with Arsene Wenger as he says goodbye to the Arsenal fans in 2016 (
Image:
David Price)
Rosicky after winning the FA Cup in 2014 (
Image:
Getty)

After coming through the ranks at Sparta Prague and helping them win three league titles, Rosicky was signed by Dortmund in 2000.

He cost the Bundesliga side £18million, making him the most expensive player in German history.

Rosicky spent six years with Dortmund before joining Arsenal, where he won two FA Cups and the Community Shield in a decade before returning to Prague.

The midfielder's time at Arsenal was scarred by injuries and he made just one appearance in his final season in London but those problems never dented his popularity with the fans.
Rosicky captained the Czech Republic for a decade (
Image:
Julian Finney)
Rosicky broke the Bundesliga transfer record when he moved to Dortmund in 2000 (
Image:
Reuters)

Rosicky brought zeal to almost every performance while his technique, close control and penchant for spectacular goals made him a firm favourite at the Emirates.

Speaking about the playmaker in 2015, Arsene Wenger described him as "a player we all love," adding: "If you love football, you love Rosicky."

Speaking about his former team-mate's retirement, Mesut Ozil said: "Congrats to a player with a big heart on a great playing career. I wish you all the best for your retirement."

Theo Walcott added: Wishing Rosicky a very happy retirement — happy to have spent some great moments on and off the pitch together."

Rosicky's career honours

Sparta Prague

  • Czech First League (2): 1998–99, 1999–2000

Borussia Dortmund

  • Bundesliga: 2001–02
  • UEFA Cup Runners-up: 2001–02
  • DFB-Ligapokal Runners-up: 2003

Arsenal

  • FA Cup (2): 2013–14, 2014–15
  • League Cup Runners-up (2): 2006–07, 2010–11
  • FA Community Shield: 2014

Individual

  • Czech Footballer of the Year: 2001, 2002, 2006
  • Golden Ball (Czech Republic): 2002
  • Czech Talent of the Year: 1999