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Per - My support for our French players

Per Mertesacker is confident that Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud are “back to normal” after the Paris terrorist attacks.

The Arsenal duo were in action at the Stade de France when the incidents took place in the French capital earlier this month.

 

Mertesacker expressed his support for Koscielny and Giroud, and says his team-mates have responded well.

 

“It is difficult time for footballers affected by such an incident,” Mertesacker said. “Obviously when you are involved at the stadium… it is a horrible experience but to share that and have some time together [helps].

“When I spoke to them they were quite clear about the situation and quite quickly back to normal. I was surprised about that.

“Maybe they are affected but as the games come they will continue to get back to normal, that is what human beings do. I feel confident and they feel good as well. That is my image right now.”

Mertesacker is expected to face Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night and he says the whole Arsenal squad will fight for their Champions League future.

“We want to remain in the competition for sure,” he said. “It has been difficult for us due to our results and our performances but there is still a chance for us and we want to take it seriously.

“We beat one of the best teams in Europe at home so let's put that in our minds, be confident and put in a performance.”