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Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker revealed that the main reason he retired from international duty was so that he would have time to rest during international breaks.
With the intensity at which games are played in the Premier League, Mertesacker said that the rest would help him give his all when he plays for the Gunners in the Premier League.
The 30-year-old defender retired after Germany won the 2014 FIFA World Cup, choosing to end his career on a high.
I realized the club really needs me: Mertesacker
Speaking on the Arsenal website, Mertesacker said: “I reflected and last season was very tough.
“This season won’t be less intense so I needed a chance to rest and refuel. I want to push forward with the club now to show I can still improve.
“I realised over the last few years that the club really needs me and that was a big motivation to win something with them and then with Germany. Now I’m really focused to do even more with Arsenal.
Mertesacker came to the club in 2011 from Werder Bremen on deadline day and has since made more than 130 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions. Except for an ankle injury in the 2011/12 season that restricted him to just 27 matches, he has played more than 40 games per season in the last two campaigns (52 games in2013/14)
Proud to be a part of Arsenal: Mertesacker
The German, nicknamed BFG, also spoke about the love and respect he gets at the North London club.
“There’s even more respect and support here than I expected when I signed.
“This club has topped everything and I’m really proud to be part of it, especially after learning more about the fans and its history.
“As vice-captain I feel more responsibility for my work here and I want to achieve more in my next three years with Arsenal. One chapter has closed and the other one has opened even more, that’s how it feels for me.”
