Premiership - Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky on his first season at Arsenal, how they will challenge for the title next year, the future of Arsene Wenger and Thierry Henry plus David Dein's departure.

Q: You have said that you are happy at Arsenal. How do you rate your first season at Arsenal?

A: "As for Arsenal, each of us must rate it as an unsuccessful one as we were eliminated from all competitions. In my point of view, I take it as I was a newcomer and I have gained ground well. I was however slowed down by the injuries."

Q: What can the Arsenal fans expect in the next season?

A: "We do not have to be ashamed of the football we showed in the previous season. It is strange if you beat the title contenders - twice Manchester United, three times out of four Liverpool and you draw twice with Chelsea - and then you fail to beat teams that are in the bottom of the table or below us. In this point of view, it is extremely frustrating. Of course that the team we have is very young. Even in those games which we lost, we were clearly better. We were conceding silly goals from corners, in general we conceded way too many goals from set-pieces. On the other hand, these are things we can improve in the future. If we remove these mistakes, then we will be fighting for the title."

Q: Can this Arsenal squad compete with Manchester United and Chelsea?

A "I have just spoken about it. We were playing a major part of the season without the injured Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie. Well, there were even more injuries, me, Freddie Ljungberg was often injured, William Gallas was out for three months. On the other hand, I see no problem in it. Those who played instead of them did not fail. There were only a few games in which we were the worse team. That happened for example in Sheffield. We deserved to lose there."

Q: Lately, there has been a lot of hot topics about Arsenal, for example Thierry Henry's alleged exit. Arsene Wenger is reportedly going to end his holiday and come back to cool the situation at Arsenal. Cesc Fabregas is prepared to leave the club if Arsene Wenger leaves.

A: "I don't know much about these things. All I know is that, before we left for our holidays, the coach told us that he still had one year left on his contract and that he would fulfil it and he would go on. With this statement, this topic is over for me. I believe it will be as Mr Wenger said. I know nothing more."

Q: There is a possibility that after the departure of vice-chairman David Dein, Wenger will not extend his contract that expires in summer 2008. That would be a big blow for Arsenal, wouldn't it?

A: "It would certainly not be good. But we have a year to go and I believe that if we are successful, he will stay."

Q: What would it mean if Thierry Henry left the club?

A: "He is our captain and the most important personality, of course that would not be good. Mainly because he was out for a long time due to injury and now he will return. He has rested and in my opinion he will have a great season. The same may count for Van Persie. Both know how to score goals and I think they can be the biggest stars of the season."

Q: The atmosphere at Arsenal has changed after David Dein left the club. His big friend Arsene Wenger has been left angry and Thierry Henry stated that it was a big mistake. Can you describe in which aspects was he so important for the club?

A: "I have been there only one year, but I have managed to recognize it. Dein has been a fantastic person, if I can say it this way. He had everyone's respect. Either because of how he negotiated or how he behaved when speaking to you. He has been absolutely amazing. He always wanted the best for players. A lot of lads were cheered up when he entered the dressing rooms. He never talked much, but no matter if we won or lost, he always came either before a game or after it. Before a game, he came in, said hello and wished us good luck which was all right. With his manners, he got over people on his side. It is a pity that he is not at the club. I read once what Mr Wenger said about him after Dein left the club. That he was good at the hard work. Wenger chose somebody and then it was on Dein to bring him to Arsenal. I am glad that he has been a tough negotiator as I experienced it when they negotiated with Dortmund. He really is a tough businessman."

-- Vasek Kadlec translation from interview in Czech newspaper Sport --