David Rozehnal

David Sebastian Klement Rozehnal (born 5 July 1980) is a Czech former footballer who played as a defender. He played for a host of European clubs, making over 400 appearances in a career spanning almost two decades, and retired from the professional game in April 2018.

Early life
Rozehnal was born in Šternberk and raised in Kožušany. He comes from a sports family, his father was a second-league football player, his mother played competitive handball. His father then trained amateur club Sokol Kožušany, where Rozehnal started with football.

Paris Saint-Germain
Rozehnal signed for Paris Saint-Germain in June 2005. His form resulted in reported interest from Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United and Sevilla. Sources close to the defender confirmed that he would prefer a move to Newcastle.

Newcastle United
On 22 June 2007, Rozehnal's agent confirmed that a "definite agreement" had been reached for the player to join Newcastle United. Rozehnal underwent a medical check on 25 June and Newcastle confirmed the transfer had been completed on 29 June for a fee of £2.9 million. He made his league debut against Bolton Wanderers the same year on 11 August.

Lazio
On 31 January 2008, Rozehnal left Newcastle for Lazio on loan until the end of the 2007–08 Serie A despite having only signed in June 2007. After only playing seven times for Lazio during his loan spell, it remained unclear if they wanted to sign him permanently. On 9 June 2008, Lazio officially announced they had signed Rozehnal on a permanent basis, with Newcastle recouping the full £2.9 million which they initially paid for the defender.

Later career and retirement
After only one year in Italy, Rozehnal left Lazio on 29 July 2009 for German club Hamburger SV, signing a contract until 30 June 2012. Due to a poor season with several costly errors by Rozehnal, he was removed from the first team and asked to find a new club.

On 31 August 2010, Hamburg confirmed that Rozehnal left for French side Lille on loan, with the German club still paying part of his salary.

Rozehnal retired from professional football on 4 April 2018 and joined Sokol Kožušany with his brother, Marek. He made his debut for the club the following weekend.

International career
Rozehnal was part of the Czech Republic national youth football team which won the UEFA U-21 Championships in 2002. He debuted for the senior squad in a 2–2 friendly draw against Italy on 18 February 2004.

Honours

 * Club Brugge
 * Belgian Pro League: 2004–05
 * Belgian Cup: 2003–04
 * Belgian Super Cup: 2003, 2004


 * PSG
 * Coupe de France: 2005–06


 * Lazio
 * Coppa Italia: 2008–09


 * Lille
 * Coupe de France: 2010–11
 * Ligue 1: 2010–11

Personal life
Rozehnal is married to Petra and their first child, Luka, was born on 3 October 2007.