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
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.
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.
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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.
"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.