Rosicky admits Euro woe

Czech star hoping to provide 'X-factor' from the sidelines

By Vasek Kadlec   Last updated: 4th June 2008

Tomas Rosicky ITV

Rosicky: Hamstring problem

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Tomas Rosicky has spoken of his disappointment at being ruled out of Euro 2008 through injury.

The Czech Reoublic captain has been sidelined since January with a hamstring problem, denying him the opportunity to lead his country in Austria and Switzerland this summer.

The Arsenal midfielder admits that his on-field absence from the tournament has come as a blow, but intends to join up with his international team-mates to lend his support to their quest for glory.

Mascot

"What can I say? I am extremely sad that I cannot play and help my team at Euro 2008," Rosicky said on his personal website.

"The sadness has not faded away, but at least it will be less painful watching in the stands.

"When I visited the lads last week at their training camp and sat alongside them on the bench for the games against Lithuania and Scotland, we decided that it would be possible for me to stay with the team during the tournament.

"I don't know what my role will be. I would not call myself a 'mascot'. Maybe I will be the 'psychological X-factor'.

Surgery

Rosicky admits that he remains unsure as to when he will be able to resume full training, but is hoping to be ready in time to feature for the Gunners at the beginning of the 2008/09 season.

"I don't know how it will turn out," he added.

"It has been three weeks since my surgery.

"My rehabilitation schedule is being drawn up by the doctors and physiotherapists in England. I don't know it all.

Healing

"I have been promised that, in terms of the schedule, I am able to spend as much time as possible with the Czech Republic.

"The surgery went well and is healing quickly, but I still have to use crutches.

"But everything is being organised for me to begin training in the near future, so that I can be of use again to Arsenal and the national team.

"After Euro 2008 the Premier League will begin soon after and I would hate to miss out on that."