RETIRED referee Martin Atkinson revealed Tomas Rosicky was his favourite player to deal with.
The former Premier League official made the claim after the former Arsenal star invited him to ref his testimonial in the Czech Republic in 2018.
And Atkinson said Alan Stubbs was the toughest player he has officiated, with the Everton hardman “scaring me to death”.
Atkinson hung up his whistle at the end of the 2021/22 season, after 17 years in the Premier League.
He has many fond memories. But speaking at a Q&A in aid of North East mental health charity If U Care Share, the Prem whistler was asked who he enjoyed reffing most. His answer was Arsenal’s former Czech playmaker.