Tomas Rosicky is not happy at Arsenal and says his lack of playing time towards the end of the season was ‘not funny’.
In the final two months of last season, the Czech playmaker made just one appearance, this coming from off the bench in the 0-0 draw to Sunderland in May.
In fact, the 34-year-old made a total of 22 appearances for the Gunners last season (eight as a starter) and failed to start a Premier League game this year. However, despite this, Arsene Wenger decided to trigger the club’s option to extend Rosicky’s stay for another season, much to the midfielder’s frustration.
Rosicky does not understand why Wenger chose to exercise the extra year clause in his contract if he’s not even playing for the club:
‘Since the moment Arsene Wenger ‘used’ the option in my contract, I haven’t even been on the bench. I am laughing but it’s not funny.
‘It’s frustrating but I am a professional. Even if you lose your place, you must still be prepared because the situation can change.
‘I’ll start the summer preparation with Arsenal and that’s the whole of my plan for the time being.’
So rarely was Rosicky seen last season that I actually forgot he was still on our books!
For me, Rosicky is a class act. He has incredible vision and technique and is a determined performer.
However, the Czech technician is ageing and has dropped in the midfield pecking order – and it doesn’t look to be getting better anytime soon.
Arsenal are believed to be in the market for a new forward and midfielder this summer and should they obtain either or both, then Rosicky will become obsolete at the club. If we do manage to bring in new faces in the upcoming months which do put Rosicky’s position at the club in further jeopardy, then I believe Wenger has to do the right thing and allow him to seek a new challenge, where he can play more frequently.
