‘It was a privilege to manage Rosicky’

Arsene Wenger says that when Tomas Rosicky plays football, the game becomes "quicker, more incisive and more mobile”.

The Czech Republic international joined the club 10 years ago this week from Borussia Dortmund and quickly became a firm fans’ favourite.

While a succession of injuries restricted Rosicky's playing time, Wenger says it was always a “privilege” to manage the 35-year-old.

“It will always be a frustration [he didn't play more games] because first of all Tomas was an exceptional talent,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“I personally, like we all do here, love the player. The standing ovation he gets every time he walks out there tells you a lot.

“We love the man as well, and his attitude, and his exceptional class and qualities. It's sad [that he’s leaving] but I must say, for me it was a privilege to manage him.

“He makes it look very easy when he's playing. He has a quality - when the ball comes to him the game suddenly becomes a bit quicker, more incisive, more mobile.

“He had all the football qualities to play the game we love to play here, and I would say Tomas Rosicky was the perfect player for Arsenal Football Club.”