Rosický added to Arsenal armoury

Czech Republic playmaker Tomáš Rosický has completed a move from BV Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal FC for an undisclosed fee reported to be in the region of €10m.

Wenger delighted
The 25-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the beaten UEFA Champions League finalists with coach Arsène Wenger saying: "We are delighted to welcome Tomáš to our squad. He has great technique, skill on the ball and sharp passing. Tomáš has good experience at all levels for club and country, and we look forward to welcoming him to Arsenal after what will hopefully be a successful summer for him at the [FIFA] World Cup."

'Best in Europe'
Rosický added: "I'm really happy to be here at Arsenal, it is a great day for me. The team showed its strength recently in the Champions League and has real potential with a lot of young players. I think we can be even better next season. This is the best club in Europe and I will give everything for Arsenal."

Sparta prodigy
A playmaker combining speed, creativity and technical ability, Rosický made his international debut against the Republic of Ireland in February 2000 and now has 53 caps for the Czech Republic, whose pre-World Cup training camp he left to have a medical and agree personal terms with Arsenal. Originally a star at AC Sparta Praha, he switched to Dortmund in January 2001 and won the Bundesliga in his first season.

Broken arm
A UEFA Cup finalist in 2001/02, he continued to shine in both Germany and the UEFA Champions League in subsequent campaigns and has 149 league appearances and 20 goals to show for his five and a half terms at the Westfalenstadion. That total would have been higher had Rosický not broken his arm in 2003/04.