Rosicky claims unity

Gunners star backtracks on critical quotes

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 19th August 2008

Tomas Rosicky

Rosicky: Meant no harm

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Tomas Rosicky has sought to clarify quotes where he appeared to criticise his Arsenal team-mates.

Reports on Tuesday saw the Czech Republic international place the blame for the Gunners' end of season slump last term squarely on the shoulders of Gael Clichy and William Gallas.

The playmaker claimed a controversial 2-2 draw with Birmingham in February was the moment which saw the wheels come off the club's title bid in spectacular fashion.

Croatian striker Eduardo suffered a horrific broken leg at St Andrews, while Clichy conceded a late penalty to hand the Blues a point.

"I remember the Birmingham game and what happened to Eduardo. The lads were winning 2-1 but then in the last minute Gael gave away a really stupid penalty," said Rosicky.

"At the same time, he played brilliantly all season. He improved immensely and turned into a great defender as a result. But he messed up that day"

Uneasy

On Gallas' one-man protest which greeted the final whistle, Rosicky had this to say on the club captain: "It was not an easy situation. On the one hand, it was William's first season as captain and it's not easy to wear the armband in a team like this.

"I think he will have learned. There were things he could have done better - but he knows that better than anyone else.

"He's really immersed in everything and that was something he just got immersed in too deeply."

United

In the wake of these reports, Rosicky has made it clear that he never intended to point the finger of blame, and insists that the Arsenal camp remains united in their quest for glory.

"I would never blame individuals for the team not lifting a trophy. We are in it together. We win as a team and we lose as a team," he said.

"As individuals, we all make mistakes and the message I was relaying to a Czech newspaper was that we are more experienced now and have learnt from last season.

"We came so close last year to winning something and we will be giving it our all to win a trophy this year."

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