I know I should be talking about Arsenal’s 3-1 win against olympiacos in our second group match of the champions league at the emirates, where Gervinho, Podolski and Ramsey gave us the goals with Giroud providing an assist; a required response to the lost to Chelsea. But, I dedicate today’s post to Tomas Rosicky.

On 23 May 2006, Arsenal signed a certain Tomas Rosicky from Borussia Dortmund. His performance for Czech Republic in the 2006 World Cup gave the Arsenal supporters something to drool about when the 2006/07 season would kick off. He had spent 5 seasons with Borussia Dortmund after arriving from Sparta Prague for a Bundesliga record fee of €14.5. His ability to orchestrate play on the pitch earned him the nicknames “little Mozart” and “Mozart of football” in Germany.

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 Born on 4 October 1980, Rizek, as he is called in Prague, started his youth career in CKD kompresory of Prague in 1986 before moving in 1988 to Sparta Prague. He was promoted to the senior team in 1998. During his time at Sparta Prague, he made his international debut as a 19 year old in 2000 against republic of Ireland and went on to play in the Euro 2000.The little Mozart scored 19 goals and assisted 28 in 126 appearances for Borrusia Dortmund in the Bundesligabefore switching to the North London side.

Rasaky, as he is called in some Nigerian circles, made his competitive debut for Arsenal on 8 August 2006 in a 3-0 win overDinamo Zagreb in a champions league qualifier. He scored his first arsenal goal on 13 September 2006 against Hamburg in Arsenal’s first champions league group game of the season which ended 2-1 to the gunners.

He scored his first premier league goal against WiganAthlectic on 11 February 2007. How would anyone forget his double against Liverpool at Anfield in the FA cup? A one-time shot after a pass from the right side from his arsenal-twin, Alexander Hleb, gave arsenal the lead. He doubled his tally shooting low after dabbling through over 6 Liverpool players. Both goals were from outside the box. Legendary Thierry Henry added a third to defeat the reds 3-1. I watch the highlights of that match almost every day.

He was a member of that midfield quartet that shook the league and champions league in 2007. Playing alongside Hleb, Fabregas and Flamini, Rosicky was very influential. He played on the right.

Arsenal was on a wonderful streak in all competitions in 2007/2008 season before Rosicky was injured. His injury signified arsenal demise that season as the gunners couldn’t continue their fine form. He eventually returned to full training in May 2009 after 18 months of absence. He didn’t kick a ball in 2008/2009 season.

The 3 time Czech footballer of the year has scored important goals and influenced play for Arsenal. His last minute equalizer against Everton in 2009/2010 at the emirates that ended 2-2, his goal against Bolton that started Arsenal’s revival 4-2 win in the second half of a game Bolton were leading 2-0 at half time are a few example.

Rosicky’s Arsenal career rekindled in late February 2012. He is seen as the reason Arsenal came third last season. He scored his first league goal in 2 years on 26 February 2012 in the 50th minute against North London rivals, Tottenham to influence a crucial comeback which arsenal won 5-2. He was voted the man of the match on arsenal.com. He was also influential in that 3-0 win over AC Milan and thus bagged UEFA man of the match. He was voted arsenal player of the month of April 2012 and Arsenal third best player of the 2011/2012 season.

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The Czech captain has played 166 times for the Arsenal in all competitions scoring 19 times. Impeccable vision, accurate passing and sharp turns of pace have long been strong suits of this exciting midfielder, who signed a new contract in March 2012.

I just love our number 7; a true playmaker; an energizer; a guitarist; my best Arsenal player. I want the team to win the league for him. He should have been Arsenal’s present captain if not for his injuries. I look forward to seeing him play this season.

Happy birthday Tomas “Rizek” “Rasaky” Rosicky, The Mozart of Football.

Au revoir

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