PLAYER PROFILE

Tomas Rosicky

Position: Midfield

Height: 5'9

Weight: 10st 7lbs

Date of Birth: 1980-10-04 Prague, Czech Republic

Tomas Rosicky

Arsenal completed the signing of Borussia Dortmund's Czech Republic international Tomas Rosicky on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee in May 2006.

The highly-rated 25-year-old midfielder was the first of the Gunners' summer signings and boss Arsene Wenger is delighted with the coup.

He told the club's official website: "We are delighted to welcome Tomas to our squad.

"He has great technique, skill on the ball and sharp passing. Tomas 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 World Cup."

Rosicky has been a regular in the Czech Republic side since making his debut in a 3-2 defeat against the Republic of Ireland in February 2000 and has already amassed more than 50 caps, including appearances at the European Championships of 2000 and 2004, and the World Cup of 2006, in which he scored twice.

Rosicky began his club career with Sparta Prague and picked up Gambrinus Liga winners' medals in 1999 and 2000, before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2001 and helping them to win the Bundesliga and reach the UEFA Cup final.

He said: "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 it has big 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."

His first season at Arsenal was a successful one as he played 31 games and scored six goals. Rather than utilising him as an attacking midfielder though, Wenger has opted to play Rosicky on the left-wing, effectively taking the role Robert Pires once had.