During his six years as an Arsenal player, Robert Pires helped the Gunners to win two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, as well as reaching the final of the 2006 Champions League.

In total, the Frenchman made 284 appearances for the North Londoners following his switch from Marseille in 2000, from which he scored 84 goals.

It meant that when he departed for Villarreal on a free transfer at the end of the 2005-06 campaign, manager Arsene Wenger was in need of a high-class replacement.

The player that the French manager identified to fill Pires's boots, and indeed his number seven shirt, arrived at the Emirates Stadium nine years ago today.

Twenty-five-year-old Tomas Rosicky had spent the previous five years with Borussia Dortmund, whom he had cost a then Bundesliga record of £18m when he arrived from Sparta Prague in his native Czech Republic.

His performances in Germany had captured the attention of a number of clubs, including Chelsea, who were said to have failed with a bid for his services in 2004.

Atletico Madrid were also reported to be keen, but it was Champions League runners-up Arsenal that secured the agreement to take the playmaker to the Premier League.

"I'm really happy to be here at Arsenal, it is a great day for me. The team showed its strength recently in the Champions League and it has big potential with a lot of young players," he told the club's official website.

"I think we can be even better next season. This is the best club in Europe and I will give everything for Arsenal."

Wenger added: "We are delighted to welcome Tomas to our squad. He has great technique, skill on the ball and sharp passing.

"Tomas has good experience at all levels for club and country, and we look forward to welcoming him to Arsenal after what will hopefully be a successful summer for him at the World Cup."

Rosicky made an instant impression, playing regularly during his first season in England and scoring six goals in all competitions - a haul which included a brace against Liverpool in the FA Cup at Anfield.

However, injuries seem to have troubled him ever since, which has prevented the creative midfielder from ever holding down a regular place in Wenger's starting lineup.