Per Mertesacker has begun his new journey within football as the Arsenal academy manager after meeting with the club's youth players and their families on Sunday.
It was announced at the end of last season that Mertesacker would take over at the helm of the club's youth set up following one last season with the Gunners first team.
The 33-year-old - a World Cup winner who enjoyed eight full seasons with the Arsenal first team - spent much of this past season getting to know the ins and outs of his new role, making only 12 appearances in all competitions.
Mertesacker will now put what he has learned in his final season as an Arsenal player to good use as he looks ahead to his first season as a coach as he met with the club's budding young professionals at their training ground.
He wrote on Twitter: 'Today I met every Arsenal Academy player and their families. We have big things planned for this Academy and I can't wait for the new season! #ArsenalAcademy #wearethearsenal'.
He is a player that is held in high regard with Arsenal, especially by his now former manager Arsene Wenger.
'Per is an exceptional character who is a great example for young players,' Wenger said at the time of his appointment last July. 'He is a deep thinker about the game and committed to helping players fulfil their potential.
'He will be an inspirational figure for everyone connected with the academy.'
The German defender, who joined the Gunners from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in 2011, has spent the past few seasons as one of the more experienced players at the Emirates Stadium.
During his time as a player for the north London side, Mertesacker won three FA Cups and two Community Shields.
wm_ns1
1
Good choice to stay in Emirates Per
Pupbdpuz
1
good luck per
wiuilopsu
2
good luck
quantized
3
Respect legend
Fizadeiktu
2
wish u all d best legend.
Elsa98
4
All the best for your new journey..
Balancea
1
german discipline Per was known from the get-go at Arsenal to be very adamant on proper conduct. Anyone who was late to any session/meeting/bus would be met by him soon after to pay a fine.
Leoless
1
Seems a bit crazy they don't force players to gontonstuff like this if it is thought to be beneficial!
Adrianer
3
He would not challenge their sprint speed, that much is for sure.
introduc
0
who would even do this? i've hated the guy ever since.
wmj21
2
Imagine being a kid and meeting this gigantic German guy who's supposed to be your manager
sunnysayus
2
This is the beauty of football.Being a formal employee of the club and a loyal one at that,no other person is more suited for that post than him.Per martesacker is an epithome of humility and mettle.He served arsenal diligently during his playing days.He will not disappoint. I wish him all the best in his new role.
nihalrs
0
pls make Arsenal fire.
ifyousabiplayball
1
He can make it. Please don't follow Wengal footstep
ziydklnyz
0
all the best bro
Kalata
0
Do us proud Merter..it's the most noble job working in the grassroot. Build us the next generation of stars.
arjunking
0
chango25
1
Good luck per
frank_leo
1
Best of luck man
Criticaldamage
1
Good luck gunner
teeblack4lif
0
wishing you all the best of luck...respect to a great Gunner.
Jatalmprtz
2
great mentor you guys at d academy lucky to hv a great career with your lifes later with your football history dun miss d opportunity