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Arsenal new boy Tomas Rosicky has admitted he was on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid before stepped in to secure the Czech's services.

He said that Arsenal had been keeping tabs on him for a long time: "Arsenal were interested for a longer time, but they never came out with a concrete offer," Rosicky explained.

"I had decided to go to Atletico. If the clubs had agreed, I would have gone there.

"But suddenly Arsenal came into it and everything was clear."

Rosicky admitted the last few days have been hectic, as he had to take time off from the Czech national team training camp to meet with Arsenal officials.

"It was very hectic. [My agent] Pavel Paska hinted to me that I should be ready. I had to take one extra bag to Seefeld [training camp in Austria].

"First we had to ask coach Karel Bruckner to release me from the training camp. I would like to thank him for doing so.

"The medical was in the morning, then there was a break and later they examined me once again. At 5pm we drove to Highbury where I signed the contract."

Having finally decided where he is going to be playing his football next season, Rosicky is keen to put his mind off the transfer and concentrate on the World Cup.

"It was not easy for me, it was all the time the topic of discussions. I hope I will have some quiet now."