Tomas Rosicky has been ruled out of the remainder of the Czech Republic’s European Championship campaign.
The midfielder is into the final month of his Arsenal contract, and was expected to seek a new club to play for following this summer’s international tournament.
Rosicky has been in fine form for his country, despite failing to feature more than once for his club this season.
The 35 year-old managed under 20 minutes of action last season, coming off the bench against Burnley back in January, but failed to reappear until joining up with the Czech Republic squad for their warm-up matches in May.
Rosicky has now succumbed to a thigh injury which is expected to keep him from participating in the remainder of his country’s Euro 2016 title bid, which will come as a huge blow to their chances.
His side will have to win their final group game with Turkey on Tuesday to stand a chance of making it through, in which they may be able to qualify as one of the best third-placed sides of the group stages.
Fellow Arsenal star Petr Cech will likely be given the captain’s armband for the remaining matches of the tournament.
Rosicky could well struggle to find himself a new team to play for next season should his fitness worries continue, and he may be forced to consider retiring if he feels his fitness worries are unlikely to let up.
There is no shame in hanging up your boots at the tender age of 35, but as he has shown in the Euro 2016 tournament is that he still possesses the ability to play to a very decent standard.
He became the oldest player to feature for the Czech Republic at a European Championship, and also holds the record for having been the youngest ever to appear for the same side at a Euro tournament also.
Has his time finally come to hang up his boots?