Arsene Wenger has admitted that he’s frustrated that a talent like Tomas Rosicky didn’t get to play more during his time at Arsenal.

The midfielder, known as our Little Mozart, was incredibly skilled, energetic and creative but his career was blighted by injuries. This was summed up when the 35-year-old returned from seven months on the sidelines against Burnley in the FA Cup, only to get injured and never don the Arsenal shirt again.

During his decade as a Gunner, Rosicky only managed to feature in 170 Premier League games – under half of what he could have. The most he ever played in was 28 during the 2011/12 season; the season he scored that goal against Spurs during our 5-2 victory at the Emirates.

Now, the Czech international has decided to leave north London for the next chapter of his journey and Wenger says it was a privilege to coach him.

“It will always be a frustration [he didn’t play more games] because first of all Tomas was an exceptional talent,” the boss revealed to Arsenal Player.

“I personally, like we all do here, love the player. The standing ovation he gets every time he walks out there tells you a lot.

“We love the man as well, and his attitude, and his exceptional class and qualities. It’s sad [that he’s leaving] but I must say, for me it was a privilege to manage him.

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Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal, applauds whilst Arsenal’s Czech Republic player Tomas Rosicky (L) celebrates scoring a goal during an English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at The Emirates Stadium in London, England on February 26, 2012. (IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)

“He makes it look very easy when he’s playing. He has a quality – when the ball comes to him the game suddenly becomes a bit quicker, more incisive, more mobile.

“He had all the football qualities to play the game we love to play here, and I would say Tomas Rosicky was the perfect player for Arsenal Football Club.”

Rosicky was a huge fan favourite. Whenever he came on the pitch, the crowd would lift a little, even if we were doing badly, because we knew he could do something. He’s now been called up for his national team and it’ll be exciting to see how he gets on.