Interview: Per Mertesacker on his career, Arsene Wenger and Germany's chances at the World Cup

Per Mertesacker has attained cult status among Arsenal fans

Since moving to Arsenal in 2011, Per Mertesacker has built up a reputation of being one of the most reliable defenders in the English Premier League. The German centre-back has gained a massive fan following in his three years at the club thanks to his supreme attitude on and off the field.

At the international level, with 96 caps to his name, the 29-year-old has been an integral part of Germany’s defence in the build up to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil later this year. He has already starred in two World Cups for Die Mannschaft.

Recently, Sportskeeda got an opportunity to speak to the gentle giant on a number of issues.

Here are the excerpts from the conversation:

How big an influence was your father when you were young?

My father was my coach and mentor. A lot of things that determine me today as a player is due to him. He showed me in my early years what kind of attitude was needed to become a professional player.

You were an avid sportsman as a child. Apart from football, which are the other games you enjoy the most?

I was and am a sports freak in general. I really love ball games and these days, I watch a lot of basketball and handball. Handball with more interest, since my wife played for the German national team and I learnt a lot from her about the sport.

As a youngster growing up aiming to become a professional footballer, who were your biggest idols in the game?

I never had a “one and only” idol.

Early in your career, you were hailed for your disciplinary record as a defender. What makes you different from other defensive players who tend to pick up a lot of cards?

I try to anticipate the game as much as possible. I’m not sure if this helps me in avoiding yellow cards, but it could be a result of that.

When you first joined Arsenal, how much of a difference did you find in the footballing culture in England compared to Germany?

It was very different, especially the pace and the high level of physicalness in England. Those are a couple of things I had to get used to. I believe that I am not the only player who came to the Premier League and needed to adapt to that.

How big a factor was Arsene Wenger in you deciding to sign for Arsenal?

Arsene Wenger was a huge factor. The confidence he gave to me in the first few weeks and months at Arsenal helped me a lot. He always told me to stay calm and has trusted me.

You seem to have gained the status of a cult hero at the Emirates with a ‘charming’ nickname. Did you think you would find so much love among the Arsenal faithful when you first joined?

When the Arsenal fans first sang the BFG song, I was a bit unsure if it was a good sign or a bad sign. But today, I am very happy with the support and recognition we get from the fans.

Mesut Ozil, your German teammate, was the marquee signing for Arsenal in the summer. How much of a positive influence did he have at the club when he first joined?

Mesut had a very good start when he joined Arsenal. He clearly showed that he is a type of player who can make a difference in any team. It is just normal that he – like everyone else – needs time to adapt. I am very sure that he will help us a lot again when he comes back from his injury.

Mertesacker during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier Group C match between Germany and Republic of Ireland last October

What do you make of Germany’s chances at the World Cup in Brazil this year?

We went through the entire qualifiers for the World Cup unbeaten. This should give us enough confidence as a team when going to Brazil. But to become world champions, a lot of factors need to come together. It will be very important for our team that players like Sami Khedira come back from their injuries and make it to the tournament.

Apart from Germany, who do you think are the teams most likely to win the World Cup?

In 2006, we saw how far a team can with strong home support behind them. So Brazil is, for sure, one of the hottest candidates at this World Cup. But in general, the football world has become more and more competitive and just two or three teams do not dominate the scene any more. Nowadays, easily a circle of 5-7 teams can be named favourites.

Do you think a country from outside Europe and South America can challenge for the World Cup crown within the next 10-20 years?

Football in Asia has gone through a massive improvement. The number of players from Korea and Japan now playing in the big leagues in Europe has increased massively. So why should one be surprised if one day an Asian team lifts the trophy in the near future?

In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich wrapped up the league title in March. Do you think such a thing is bad for the league?

First of all, this achievement of Bayern has to be respected and I can only congratulate them on this early title win. The way Bayern have played football this season has been very strong and at the highest level.

You have faced some world-class attacking players, but who was the toughest and gave you the most problems?

This is a very difficult question and it would be unfair to name someone here.

Away from football, how do you like to spend your time? Which type of movies, TV shows do you watch? Any particular musicians you enjoy?

I actually try to spend as much time as possible with my family. When it comes to watching TV, I watch a lot of sports. Talking about music, I especially like Paul Kalkbrenner.