Sparta Prague have confirmed that their sporting director Tomas Rosicky, the former Arsenal midfielder, was taken to hospital after experiencing ‘heart-related issues’ on Tuesday.
After being rushed to intensive care for further assessment and checks, it was subsequently decided that the 44-year-old did not require surgery.
The 2014 FA Cup winner has since been discharged from hospital is now receiving care and treatment at home, where he is expected to make a full recovery.
In a statement on their official website, Sparta Prague passed on their support to Rosicky asked for fans to give the ex-Czech Republic international and his loved ones privacy at this challenging time.
‘Our sporting director, Tomas Rosicky, was unexpectedly hospitalised in the intensive care unit last Tuesday due to heart-related issues,’ the statement read.
Get personalised updates on Arsenal everyday
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
‘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 says the frightening experience has taught him to improve his ‘lifestyle habits’ and ‘take better care’ of himself in the future.
‘As a player and sporting director, I’ve always gone all in. Full effort, no hesitation,’ he said.
‘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.’
Sparta Prague’s sporting manager, Tomas Sivok, will take over as sporting director on an interim basis until Rosicky is able to return to the post.
Sivok has reassured supporters that the club’s summer transfer dealings and search for a new manager will continue on in Rosicky’s absence.
‘Our transfer activities are ongoing, and the process of appointing a head coach is already taking shape,’ he said.
‘Since joining Sparta, Tomas and I have worked closely and maintained daily communication. Now, with the club’s leadership, I’m fully focused on preparing the first team for success in the upcoming season.’
Sparta Prague’s vice-chairman, Frantisek Cupr, added: ‘Tomas and I carefully laid out the direction for the upcoming season and we’re continuing that work.
‘This includes negotiations with a new head coach and further shaping of the squad. He has our full support.
‘His hospitalisation affected me deeply, and I wish him a smooth and full recovery.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.