Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky (far left) has been sidelined with a long-term injury

Published: 11 February, 2016
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENAL’S almost forgotten midfielder Tomas Rosicky said he “had tears in his eyes” when he made a brief return to action at the Emirates Stadium. 

The former Czech Republic international had been sidelined with a knee injury for more than seven months when, two weeks ago, he received a huge ovation when he replaced Alex Iwobi in the 71st-minute of the FA Cup tie against Burnley. 

Rosicky’s afternoon ended in misery, however, as he suffered a thigh injury. 

But the 35-year-old says he will always have good memories of how he was welcomed back. 

“It was unbelievable, something I didn’t expect,” he told Arsenal Player. “Since the moment I started to warm up on the sidelines, it was exceptional. Honestly I had tears in my eyes after such a long time being out. 

“I started to warm up and the reception was unbelievable and I will never forget it. 

“Obviously it is the worse thing getting injured again. 

“It is heartbreaking I can’t give the fans anything back after the reception they prepared for me. But in life things will be thrown at you and you have to deal with it. 

“I’ve always come back from everything and I will come back again. I will not give up.

“I will make it happen once more. I will have the strength to make it. I will find it and I will be back again.”