Mertesacker would rather never play for Arsenal again

Per Mertesacker has claimed that he would prefer to never play professional football again. The 33-year-old told 'Spiegel' that both the physical and mental aspects are so demanding that he ''would rather sit on the bench or even better in the stands.'' The German international will retire from the game and is set to become Arsenal's academy manager for the 2018/2019 season.

Mertesacker explained that ''everyone says I should enjoy the last year, to play as much as possible and take everything in,'' but added that he would rather take his retirement with immediate effect than continue playing until the close of the season. 

The Arsenal defender admitted the mental pressure in the top-tier is often too much. "The pressure is very intense. I always have this horror story in my head, to make a mistake and be responsible for a conceded goal. If the fans celebrate it is great, it is unbelievable. But if they are booing you, I always feel very ashamed."In the moments before a game starts, my stomach turns around as if I had to vomit. Then I have to choke so violently until my eyes water." He added that he believes ''that a lot of returning injuries have psychological reasons. That the body tries to give your soul some rest."

When recalling Germany's defeat at the hands of Italy in the 2006 World Cup semi-finals, Mertesacker described his overwhelming feeling of relief at their tournament being over. ''Of course I was really disappointed when we lost against Italy in 2006. But most of all I was relieved," he continued."I remember it, as if it was yesterday. I thought it is over, it is over. Finally it is over." 

The Hannover defender had previously considered retirement after a series of returning injuries in recent years adding that, "at times I really was done," he said. "My body was not ready for any more efforts. And if I couldn't play anymore, I was injured, it always was like that.'' Mertesacker is looking forward to retiring from the game as an athlete and ''for the first time in my life, aged more than 30, I will feel free."