Tomas Rosicky has paid tribute to Arsenal fans on the day he retired from the game.

The 37 year old explained earlier today that he could no longer deal with the physical rigours of professional football, and had called time on his long playing career.

The former Czech international spent ten years in North London, a career sadly blighted by injuries, but he took time to say thanks to fans by calling the club and doing an interview.

“For one last time, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Arsenal Football Club,” he said.

“For me, it’s a fantastic club and it was always an honour for me to play for Arsenal.

“I always had a special bond with the fans. Every time I played, they knew that I was playing for the shirt. I always played for the shirt because it was an honour for me to represent such a great club like Arsenal.

“One thing is for sure, I’m a Gunner forever.”

Not that anyone was ever in any doubt about that. Read the full transcript of his interview here.