Arsenal legend Tomas Rosicky, 44, is rushed into intensive care with 'heart-related issues' - as he provides health update to fans
Arsenal legend Tomas Rosicky was taken into intensive care last week due to heart-related issues.
Rosicky, 44, spent 10 years at the Emirates between 2006 and 2016, racking up 247 appearances for the Gunners.
He retired from football in 2017 back at his boyhood club Sparta Prague and became their sporting director in 2018, a role he has held ever since.
However, the former attacking midfielder faced a distressing episode last week when he suffered this health scare following issues with his heart, although Rosicky has since been discharged and is now being cared for at home, according to the club.
In a statement, Sparta Prague said: 'Our sporting director, Tomas Rosicky was unexpectedly hospitalised in the intensive care unit last Tuesday due to heart-related issues.
'Neither Tomas nor the club will disclose further details. Fortunately, no surgery was required. Tomas, you have our full support. We're all thinking of you.
'Until this official announcement, only a few closest members of the club and his family were aware of the situation.
'Given the seriousness of the matter, both the club and Tomas chose to communicate publicly only after he was released into home care late last week.'
Rosicky, who has overseen two Czech titles for Sparta during his tenure, also released a statement providing fans with an update on his health.
'As a player and sporting director, I've always gone all in,' he explained. 'Full effort, no hesitation. But this situation has shown me that I need to take better care of myself.
'Poor lifestyle habits, lack of physical activity, and family predispositions unfortunately brought me here.
'The good news is that I'm expected to make a full recovery, though I'm currently unable to carry out the demanding responsibilities of a sporting director.
'I'll remain in touch with my colleagues as we've always operated as a team. We have a clear vision, strategy, and structured processes in place. The guys will take care of it.'
Rosicky's duties are being taken over on an interim basis by Sparta's sporting manager Tomas Sivok.
However, the club - who are in the process of looking for a new manager - confirmed that Rosicky 'will continue to support us in a consultative role' as he recovers at home.
Meanwhile, Rosicky was linked with a return to the Emirates earlier this year following the departure of Edu as sporting director, although former Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta ultimately got the role.
Speaking in February, Rosicky had been asked about the speculation and said: 'The reality is simple. My connection with Arsenal is natural because I spent 10 years there, and when you spend 10 years somewhere you form a strong, very strong bond.
'So I have this strong bond with Arsenal and I have a strong bond with Sparta Prague. Those are the two clubs that I love football-wise because I have a warm relationship with them.
'I am honoured by the fact that I am even being considered by Arsenal's management, but I can say that I don't have any offer to go to Arsenal.
'As I mentioned before, I'm aware that I'm on their radar or I figure in their considerations in some capacity, but I haven't received any offer.'
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