Jump directly to the content
'Mentally wasted'

Arsenal star Per Mertesacker admits he could retire from football after revealing he is “mentally wasted” after an injury plagued season

The 32-year-old has stated he has spoken to Arsene Wenger at how tired he is, and despite the Gunners willing to offer him a new one-year deal, he may hang up his boots

Sponsored by

ARSENAL centre-back Per Mertesacker could sensationally retire from football after revealing he is "mentally wasted."

The former Germany international is only 32-years-old but has been plagued by a knee injury this season, making just two appearances, with his first start coming in the FA Cup final.

Arsenal star Per Mertesacker put in a fantastic performance in the recent FA Cup final triumph over Chelsea last week
3
Arsenal star Per Mertesacker put in a fantastic performance in the recent FA Cup final triumph over Chelsea last weekCredit: UK Sports Pics Ltd
The 32-year-old celebrates lifting the trophy at Wembley Stadium to claim his third FA Cup medal
3
 The 32-year-old celebrates lifting the trophy at Wembley Stadium to claim his third FA Cup medalCredit: EPA

He starred in the 2-1 win over London rivals Chelsea at Wembley last week, with the Gunners keen to tie him down to a new one-year contract extension.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest transfer news and gossip on our dedicated blog

However speaking to German TV channel Sport1, the former Werder Bremen man stated he may end up hanging up his boots, citing his ambition to finish on a high.

Mertesacker said: "I recently told him (Wenger) that I am tired, mentally wasted. The first time in my career I thought it makes no sense anymore, that I'll retire. No matter how hard I practiced I didn't get a chance.

"I was extremely lucky with my career and I want to finish on a high. I am motivated, but I cannot play every three days any more. I don't want to stretch my luck.

The centre-back has been limited to just two appearances the season after being plagued by a serious knee injury
3
The centre-back has been limited to just two appearances the season after being plagued by a serious knee injuryCredit: Rex Features

MOST READ IN SPORT

Kane breaks silence on Bayern release clause which could see him return to Prem
KANE IT

Kane breaks silence on Bayern release clause which could see him return to Prem

What I saw in tunnel at Anfield proves Spurs have no leaders... they bottled it
TROY DEENEY

What I saw in tunnel at Anfield proves Spurs have no leaders... they bottled it

Sir Alex YAWNS watching Man Utd but fans distracted by who he's sat next to
FINE WHINE

Sir Alex YAWNS watching Man Utd but fans distracted by who he's sat next to

Maguire's controversial last-gasp winner sends hosts into fifth round
Man Utd 2 Leicester 1

Maguire's controversial last-gasp winner sends hosts into fifth round

"At Arsenal you are replaceable so quickly as a player, I don't want to stand in someone's way. Winning the FA Cup was an extreme close which I could not expect.

"Arsenal want to keep hold of me and there are already talks. It will be in the business operations. I will stand on the other side."

Arsene Wenger can call upon Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi, Gabriel and Rob Holding at centre-back, while Nacho Monreal has been fantastic when playing in the back three.

Calum Chambers will also be linking up with the North London club after his loan spell at Middlesbrough, leaving the Frenchman with plenty of options with Schalke left-back Sead Kolasinac set to sign for the club on a free transfer.

Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU