Per Mertesacker has revealed that his decision to accept the job as head of Arsenal’s academy was a family decision.
Per has revealed that his wife had a big part to play in his decision to stay in London and take up the role as head of Arsenal’s academy once his playing career finishes at the end of the season.
After moving to London in 2010, Per’s wife Ulrike Stange had to give up her career as a professional handball player as she couldn’t continue from England.
Ulrike and Per have two sons together, who also would have been factored into the German’s decision to stay at Arsenal.
The centre-back has been a Gooner since he was a child and therefore seeing out the rest of his career in north London makes perfect sense. The 32-year-old obviously loves Arsenal and wants to help the next generation develop.
Speaking to the Evening Standard back in July, the former Germany international explained how he wants to help advise younger players, since he believes they need a great deal more guidance from a young age than they’re already being given.
“They need some guidance, they’re not quite there,” the defender said. “I’m already in that position [as captain], which makes it interesting for me.
“I’m still influencing them on the pitch, being the guy who is questioning things and not just praising. Always reminding them what it takes.”
Per’s passion for supporting Arsenal’s young players, as well as the wages that he could be taking home, must have made becoming head of their academy a tough offer to turn down. Good thing he didn’t.