Tomas Rosicky: 'Arsene Wenger needs me to stay'

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has played down reports that suggest he could walk out of the Emirates Stadium this summer.

The Czech Republic international had a disrupted campaign last year due to injury and selection problems, and has been linked with a return to former club Sparta Prague.

However, the 32-year-old had talks with manager Arsene Wenger at the end of the season, and insists that he is needed at the Gunners.

"After the season I spoke with the coach and Arsenal want me to stay. Of course, you never know what can happen, but I should be staying. A return to Sparta Prague? No, not yet," Rosicky told fotbal.idnes.cz.

"I have one year left on my contract and know nothing about me not staying. The coach has told me he counts on me."

Rosicky joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in 2006.