Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has revealed that he expects to make a full recovery after being admitted to hospital with a heart-related issue.
The ex-Czech footballer spent ten years at the Emirates between 2006 and 2016, making 247 appearances and scoring 28 goals in a red and white shirt.
Retiring from football in 2018, he has been the sporting director of Sparta Prague since hanging up his boots.
Rosicky was rushed into intensive care on Tuesday with a heart condition, but was released into home care last week and is now on the mend.
Former Arsenal star Tomas Rosicky recovering after heart issue
Rosicky was linked with Arsenal’s vacant sporting director role after Edu’s exit back in January, having impressed in the same role at Sparta over the last six years.
Sparta have won two league titles under his stewardship, with Rosicky said to have played a key role in this success.
The 44-year-old was dealt a health scare last week and was rushed into hospital with a serious heart condition.
Following surgery, Sparta released a club statement which included words from Rosicky himself, confirming that he expects to undergo a full recovery.
“This situation has shown me that I need to take better care of myself,” the Arsenal hero said.
“Poor lifestyle habits, lack of physical activity, and family predispositions, unfortunately, brought me here.
“The good news is that I’m expected to make a full recovery, though I’m currently unable to carry out the demanding responsibilities of a sporting director. I’ll remain in touch with my colleagues as we’ve always operated as a team.”
Confirming that he’ll take a back seat for the time being as he prioritises his health, Sparta have appointed their sporting manager, Tomas Sivok, as interim sporting director.
Rosicky will continue to work, but in a consultative role.
Tomas Rosicky was a great servant for Arsenal
Arsenal fans will no doubt be relieved to hear that Rosicky is expected to make a full recovery.
The former Czech Republic midfielder was a fan favourite at the Emirates, with his supreme technical quality and diminutive dribbling endearing him to the Gunners faithful.
Bukayo Saka named Rosicky’s screamer against Tottenham in 2014 as one of his favourite North London Derby moments back in September, showing how fondly fans in Saka’s age group remember the ex-Borussia Dortmund star.
Ultimately hindered by persistent injury issues, Rosicky only managed 170 Premier League appearances across ten seasons in the English top flight.
However, he made the most of the minutes on the pitch he was given, as shown by Arsene Wenger’s famous poetic quote on him, “if you love football, you love Rosicky.”
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