Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker is set to receive a send-off in front of the fans ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Fulham.
Charles Watts reports that Per Mertesacker will be brought out onto the pitch at around 17:15 BST to say his final goodbye to the Arsenal fans, with the academy manager set to depart the club at the end of the season.
Watts adds that Mertesacker will be interviewed on the pitch, with Arsenal.com also confirming that the former Gunners defender will be in the studio for their live coverage of the game.
With the Arsenal u21 season at an end and the u18 campaign winding down, Mertesacker is edging towards the final days of his job with the club, and they’re clearly keen to recognise what is now 15 years of service.
Since ending his playing career, Mertesacker has been a well-respected figure behind the scenes at Arsenal, taking his responsibilities as academy manager very seriously.
Arsenal have promoted some top talents to the first team during Mertesacker’s time in charge of the academy, which has been great to see. But he’s also always keen to stress that Arsenal should be helping to develop their youngsters as people, not just as players.
After 15 years at the club, it’s perhaps no surprise the 41-year-old wants a change of scenery now, and he’s certainly earned a warm reception from the Arsenal fans.
The change has also arguably come at a good time, with the Arsenal u18s, u19s, and u21s coming off the back of a particularly bad season.
For all Mertesacker’s good work with individuals, in terms of promotions and contract extensions, the club could use some fresh ideas at the top right now.
So it’s the right time to say a fond farewell to a man who has given so much of his career to the club, and Arsenal fans will have that opportunity on Saturday afternoon.
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