Arsene Wenger to return to dugout to take charge of World XI for Per Mertesacker farewell game in Hannover
The former Gunners boss to return to the dugout to face 'Mertesacker's Hannover Friends' to mark the veteran defender's retirement from the game.
ARSENE WENGER is to set to return to the dugout in a testimonial to mark Per Mertesacker’s retirement from the game.
The Frenchman will be bellowing instructions from the sidelines to the World XI, who are facing ‘Mertesacker’s Hannover 96 Friends’ at the HDI-Arena.
The German World Cup winner called time on his playing career at the end of last season after an illustrious career spanning over two decades.
The defender made 221 appearances for the Gunners under Wenger after his move from Werder Bremen in 2011.
The 34-year-old, who is currently the coach of the Arsenal Academy, has prepared a star-studded line-up for this event, with the likes of Petr Cech, Michael Ballack and Miroslav Klose all set to feature.
Arsene Wenger will manage the World XI, who will reportedly have the likes of Max Kruse, Claudio Pizarro and Germany legend Miroslav Klose leading the line in the side.
Theo Walcott is also set to feature for Mertesacker’s side in the event.
Wenger has not returned to professional management since he left the Gunners at the end of last season.
However, earlier this month he returned to manage in a charity match for his former player Nwanko Kanu – so he is no stranger to these events.
The Frenchman managed Arsenal for an extraordinary 22 years.