Arsenal announce Per Mertesacker will retire at the end of the season and take up role as academy manager
Gunners veteran will move to backroom team and aim to use his vast experience to help the next generation
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PER MERTESACKER will retire at the end of the season and take over Arsenal's academy.
The veteran defender will move aim to use his vast experience to help the next generation.
Mertesacker, 32, said: “This is the start of an exciting new chapter for me and I am delighted that I will be able to stay part of the Arsenal family.
"This season I will remain fully focused on my job with the team and am looking forward to a successful last season on the pitch.
"After that, I look forward to the exciting challenge of helping produce young players good enough to play for the Arsenal first team.”
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger added: “Per is an exceptional character who is a great example for young players.
"He is a deep thinker about the game and committed to helping players fulfil their potential.
"He will be an inspirational figure for everyone connected with the academy.”
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis was also full of praise for the Gunners' latest signing.
He said: "I am delighted that Per will take on this role.
"At Arsenal, we believe in developing young players to their full potential and giving them an opportunity to shine.
"He understands the club's values, he knows what it takes to win at the top level and he will be the ideal person to drive the academy forward when he takes on the role next year.”
