Rosicky retired after nearly 20 years of playing football.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal player has decided to retire at the age of 37, even though the season is only halfway through.

"After careful consideration, I realized I no longer have the physical fitness to play professional football," Tomas Rosicky announced on the website of Sparta Prague, where he began his career.

"Little Mozart" has played 12 matches since the start of the Czech Republic Premier League season and scored one goal for Sparta Prague. "I want to thank Sparta for raising me, for the stepping stone to joining bigger teams. Thank you for letting me say goodbye to the place I love most," he said, expressing his gratitude to the club.

Rosicky announced his retirement to the Czech media. Photo: AP.

Rosicky was born in Prague and joined Sparta's youth team at the age of eight. He played professionally for three seasons in the Czech Republic before joining Dortmund in 2001. The elegant midfielder quickly formed a formidable partnership with the 2.02m tall striker Jan Koller, a partnership that lasted five years. Rosicky won the Bundesliga title in his first season in the Ruhr region.

"Little Mozart" arrived at Arsenal not long after the Gunners reached the 2006 Champions League final. Rosicky gradually became a key player for the North London club, despite frequently struggling with injuries. He played 247 games in 10 years at Arsenal, scoring 28 goals.

Rosicky at Euro 2004. Photo: Action Images.

Rosicky's peak with the Czech Republic was Euro 2004, when they reached the semi-finals with a beautiful attacking style, in which he was the orchestrator. Rosicky played 103 matches for the Czech Republic, scoring 23 goals.

According to VNE