Mertesacker - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Full Name: Per Mertesacker Per Mertesacker's full name is Per Mertesacker. He was born on September 29, 1984, in Hanover, West Germany.
- 2. Height: 6 feet 6 inches Mertesacker is known for his towering height, standing at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches tall. This physical attribute has been a key factor in his defensive capabilities on the football field.
- 3. Position: Center-back Mertesacker primarily played as a center-back during his professional football career. His height, strength, and aerial ability made him a formidable presence in defense.
- 4. Clubs: Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Arsenal Mertesacker started his professional career at Hannover 96 before moving to Werder Bremen in 2006. In 2011, he joined Arsenal in the English Premier League, where he spent the majority of his career.
- 5. International Career: Germany Mertesacker represented the German national team at various levels, making his senior debut in 2004. He went on to earn over 100 caps for Germany, winning the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
- 6. Leadership: Arsenal Captain Mertesacker was appointed as the captain of Arsenal in 2016, taking over the armband from Mikel Arteta. He was known for his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch.
- 7. Playing Style: Intelligent Defender Mertesacker was known for his intelligent reading of the game, positioning, and ability to anticipate opponents' moves. He was also a vocal organizer at the back, marshaling the defense effectively.
- 8. Injury Concerns Mertesacker struggled with injuries throughout his career, particularly in his later years at Arsenal. He suffered a serious knee injury in 2014, which kept him out of action for several months.
- 9. Retirement: 2018 Mertesacker announced his retirement from professional football in 2018, ending his playing career at Arsenal. He took on a role as the head of the club's academy following his retirement.
- 10. Post-Retirement Career After retiring from playing, Mertesacker focused on his role as the head of Arsenal's academy, overseeing the development of young players at the club. He has also been involved in various media and coaching roles in the football industry.