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Czech & Slovak Supporter Group celebrates 20 years

Each month, we'll be speaking with supporters' clubs throughout the world to shine a light on our fans who cheer us on from all corners. This month, we chat with Michal Pravda of the Czech & Slovak Supporters' Group.

Two decades ago, we headed to Prague and made history as Thierry Henry became our all-time leading goalscorer. Around a month before that milestone moment, another piece of history was being made, as the Czech & Slovak Arsenal FC Supporters' Club was founded.

On September 27, 2005, 30 members, including Michal Pravda, founded the group, looking to bring fans together from across Czechia and Slovakia to watch and enjoy Arsenal.

It wasn't a bad season to get set up, as we went all the way to the Champions League final and said goodbye to Highbury. Michal managed to get to our old stadium as part of the supporters' group in a 2-0 victory over Everton, courtesy of two goals from Sol Campbell.

Reflecting on the early days of the group, Michal said: "20 years ago, when we founded the club, not many people in the Czech Republic and Slovakia followed the English league. But in recent years this league has become very popular in our countries. Anyone who liked good football, English football, must have known that the only football team that meets these criteria is Arsenal."

"Our official name is Czech & Slovak Arsenal FC Supporters Club. We have always been historically close to each other and we understand each other very well as people. We have around 500 members each season and we have three meet ups a year across the two countries.

"You will meet lots of new people and places not only in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, but also elsewhere in Europe. Friendships have been formed, which, for example, have lasted for 20 years in our fan club. We always enjoy meeting each other and look forward to shared moments and shared emotions, especially when our beloved Arsenal is playing."

Within a year of setting, the group had a huge moment to celebrate as Czech star Tomas Rosicky joined us from Borussia Dortmund - membership surged as a result.

"The biggest wave of interest in Arsenal in our country came when Rosický or Cech played for Arsenal," Michal, who has been a supporter of the club for 22 years, said. "But our fan base has been consistent in the long term, mainly thanks to the amazing philosophy of the club.

"Rosicky was one of the best Czech footballers. Mentally very strong. Also, he was the one who brought the team together. Every time he came back from injury,

I felt he was even stronger. If he hadn't been limited by injuries, he would have definitely become the best footballer in Europe. Arsène Wenger once said, Anyone who loves football must love Rosicky."

All members of the group from across the two nations meet three times a year - often taking in an Arsenal match in Prague, Pradubice, Olomouc or Nové Zámky, as well as organising a football tournament of their own.

Just over 20 years on, we're back in Prague for another night of Champions League action, this time taking on Slavia Prague, who we defeated 4-0 on our last visit to the Czech capital in the Europa League in 2021.

It's safe to say that Michal is pretty happy to see us return to his nation, marking the perfect way to celebrate 20 years of the Czech & Slovak Supporters' Group.

He said: "Arsenal's match in our country is an amazing event for both the players themselves and all football fans. Our league teams don't play in the Champions League often, especially against a team like Arsenal.

"Our match 20 years ago against Sparta Praha was a memorable one, Henry made history with two goals, the first one was incredible, an awesome moment. I think we will win 3-0 against Slavia, the whole Arsenal team is playing excellently this season."

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