'He chose us' - Arsenal icon Rosicky reveals Sparta beat other clubs to sign Uchenna in record deal

Arsenal legend Tomáš Rosický has revealed that Czech First League champions Sparta Prague pulled off a siginificant transfer coup to land the signature of Nigerian central defender Emmanuel Uchenna, fending off competition from various clubs.

Rosický, with 246 matches and 28 goals for the Gunners, has spent the last six years as the sporting director of Sparta Prague since retiring from professional football.

Sparta Prague confirmed the capture of Uchenna on Thursday, signing him on a multi-year deal from Banik Ostrava.

Uchenna will officially end his association with Banik Ostrava in January 2025 when the transfer window reopens for business. 

Although the transfer fee has not been disclosed, Michal Bělák, executive director of Baník Ostrava, revealed through the club's official website that Sparta were one of the interested teams willing to meet the defender's release clause.

Bělák added that the release clause was set at a record amount and guaranteed that if it is triggered, Emmanuel Uchenna's transfer will become the highest severance pay in recent times for the club.

Baník could also benefit from extra income for Uchenna through performance-related bonuses and a percentage of future transfer fees. 

Tomáš Rosický was delighted that the promising Nigerian centre-back chose to continue his development at Sparta Prague despite interest from both Czech and foreign clubs.

"I am very happy that we can welcome Emmanuel to Sparta. There was a lot of interest from other clubs, but he chose us because he sees the best potential for his further development in our club," Rosický  stated.

"He is a young, talented player with excellent potential for further growth. He has the attributes we look for in a centre-back."

Uchenna is set to become the second Nigerian player in Sparta Prague's first team, after striker Victor Olatunji.

The 2003-born player lists Ikorodu City FC, Lagos, Vítkovice and Hlučín as his previous clubs.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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