Tomas Rosicky was rushed to hospital after suffering from "heart-related issues." The former Arsenal star, who is currently serving as sporting director at Sparta Prague, was put in intensive care after suddenly falling ill.
The retired midfielder is now receiving treatment at home after it was decided he did not require surgery. It was announced the development was kept from the public "given the seriousness of the matter."
Sparta confirmed the news in a worrying statement that read: "Our sporting director, Tomas Rosicky, was unexpectedly hospitalised in the intensive care unit last Tuesday due to heart-related issues. 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."
The 44-year-old made 247 appearances for the Gunners between 2006 and 2016 after joining the club from Borussia Dortmund. The playmaker won league titles in the Czech Republic and Germany before moving to England in a £7million deal.
Rosicky came off the bench in extra-time as Arsenal beat Hull in 2014 to win the FA Cup at Wembley, where current Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was part of the starting XI. The Czech great has since commented on the recent episode.
"As a player and sporting director, I've always gone all in," said the Gunners cult favourite. "Full effort, no hesitation. 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.
Tomas Rosicky of Arsenal celebrates victory with the trophy after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Arsenal and Hull City at Wembley Stadium
Rosicky celebrates Arsenal's FA Cup victory over Hull in 2014 (Image: Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
"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."
Rosicky went on to say he's still in touch with his colleagues, suggesting his health alert hasn't completely prevented him from working. However, many will be hoping he takes enough respite to properly aid his recovery.
The tinkerer took over as Sparta's sporting director in December 2018 after his former mentor, Zdenek Scasny, was sacked from the role. And he has helped take the club onto big things, winning two Czech First League titles and two Czech Cups since ascending to the boardroom role.
Arsene Wenger the Arsenal Manager and Tomas Rosicky of Arsenal after the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa
Arsene Wenger frequently highlighted Rosicky's technical prowess while he was at Arsenal (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
There may be those at the Emirates Stadium who would hope to one day see the ex-midfield magician return to Arsenal in some capacity. The Gunners recently had a change in director after Andrea Berta came to the club as #Edu's replacement.
Rosicky did return to north London in September 2018 when he represented an Arsenal Legends side against their Real Madrid counterparts. His Sparta side recently finished the 2024/25 league campaign in fourth and booked a spot in the Europa Conference League's second qualifying round.