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Per - Vietnam reception such a boost

Per Mertesacker
Per Mertesacker

Per Mertesacker says the incredible response Arsenal have received in Vietnam has boosted the squad's confidence ahead of the new season.

Arsenal are the first Premier League team to visit the country and take on the Vietnamese national team on Wednesday afternoon.

Mertesacker has been taken aback by the fervent support of the locals and claims it has had a big impact on the players.

"We are all proud because we know we play for a big club, but when you see the reaction like we have had here, your confidence is even higher"

Per Mertesacker

“I have never been to Vietnam so it's very exciting to be here and to present the Club to new fans,” Mertesacker said.

“We have a close squad and it's important that we present ourselves in a good way. When we see all those fans, and what it means to them, it's good for us - not only to see it but really experience it, too.

“We are all proud because we know we play for a big club, but when you see the reaction like we have had here, your confidence is even higher.”

Mertesacker thrilled more than 400 supporters at a fan party in Hanoi when he performed a spontaneous dance and he says he wanted to show them a different side to his personality.

“The dance was quite tough to be honest,” he said. “But we want to get in touch with our fans, present them with something special, especially here in Vietnam. It was a nice feeling. Training is tough out here because it's hot and humid, so it was nice to do something different.”

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