Rosicky to miss Euro 2008

The Arsenal midfielder has been struggling with a tendon injury he picked up in January but was hopeful of recovering in time to feature for his country in Austria and Switzerland.

But tests have shown the midfielder requires surgery to rectify the problem, meaning he will be sidelined for much of the close season.

"I want to announce that I won't be able to play at the European Championship," Rosicky said.

"I have no other option than to undergo the operation - the tendon is likely more damaged than it had seemed.

"This is the worst period of my career. I believed to the last moment that I'd be fine."

However great the loss of Rosicky is for the Czech Republic, the 27-year-old is confident his team-mates will be able to put in a good showing of themselves in next month's tournament.

"I'm an optimist," he said. "I think that the Czech team will be successful at the championship even without me. I trust the team."