Interview

Per - It was beautiful and very humbling

Per Mertesacker has hailed the "beautiful" and "humbling" reception that he received from the Arsenal fans in his final game at Emirates Stadium.

The World Cup winner will become our academy manager next season, and was given a huge ovation when he stepped off the bench against Burnley.

 

"It was a beautiful moment," Mertesacker told Arsenal Player. "It is difficult to sum it up now. It was brilliant, how the team performed and the manager letting me on for the last time.

 

"I was pretty much focused and concentrated on the game. Afterwards it was very emotional. To get such an exit from the club, I’m very grateful for this opportunity. The boss brought me here, this club trusted me. It’s very humbling and I feel very grateful.

"The good thing was we were 5-0 up [when I came on], so I could really take that warm welcome and the emotions to enter the pitch for the last time.

 

"It’s magnificent the way I was welcomed from the first day, and for the great finish as a football player. That’s brilliant and it speaks of this classy club by giving me the opportunity to get such a great ending."

Per Mertesacker