Responsibility nothing new, says Tomas Rosicky ahead of World Cup qualifiers

The Czech Republic's footballers begin their campaign to qualify for the 2008 European Championships on Saturday, when they take on Wales in the north Bohemian town of Teplice. One of the team's key players is Tomas Rosicky, who recently moved from Germany's Borussia Dortmund to English giants Arsenal. Ahead of the match against Wales, I spoke to Rosicky, and asked him how he was settling in to life at Arsenal, who haven't had a good start to the new season.

Tomas Rosicky, photo: CTK

"I don't have a single problem there...only I had a small injury - it was the only thing that has really bothered me there. Right now everything is OK. But we have to start winning (laughs)."

What about accommodation - are you still living in a hotel or have you found a place to live?

"No, I don't have to be in a hotel right now. I'm in a club flat, so it's much better than being in a hotel."

How about London as a city - do you like it?

"I haven't been there yet (laughs)."

Too busy?

"Yeah."

You're here for two international games, this Saturday against Wales and against Slovakia next week. What do you expect against Wales, what kind of opponents do you think they will be?

Tomas Rosicky

"I know it'll be very difficult. I watched Wales's game against Bulgaria and it will be very tough for us, because they have quick players like [Ryan] Giggs and [Craig] Bellamy - it won't be easy for us."

The last Czech game was against Serbia. It was also Pavel Nedved's last game. Without him, do you feel more pressure on you to deliver for the team?

"Sure there will be more pressure on me. But this is the same situation as two years ago, Nedved didn't play the whole [World Cup] qualification with us, so it will be nothing new for me."

Tomas Rosicky really will have to take on extra responsibility - since that interview was recorded the 25-year-old has been appointed captain of the Czech football team.