Per Mertesacker To Manage Arsenal’s Academy From Next Season Onwards
REUTERS/Markus Gilliar/Pool
Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker will be heading the club’s academy after the conclusion of the upcoming 2017-18 season.
The Gunners have decided to handover the academy’s managerial duties to current captain of the club, but he will take charge of the academy only after a year. For now, the defender will continue to train with the first team, as they get ready for the upcoming season.
Arsene Wenger showed full confidence in his captain’s ability to do well as an academy manager, by stating: “Per is an exceptional character who is a great example for young players.
“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 defender also spoke of his excitement and delight over the new role, by adding: “This is the start of an exciting new chapter for me and I am delighted that I will be able to stay part of the Arsenal family.
“This season I will remain fully focused on my job with the team and am looking forward to a successful last season on the pitch. After that, I look forward to the exciting challenge of helping produce young players good enough to play for the Arsenal first team.”
Mertesacker arrived at the Emirates in a deadline day transfer from Werder Bremen during the summer of 2011. The World Cup-winning German has since bagged 3 FA Cup titles during his 6-year spell with the Gunners. He last featured in his team’s 2-1 FA Cup Final win over Chelsea.
Written by Shorya Panwar 
Has 20+ years of experience managing Schalke in Football Manager 2017. Believes wing-backs are the most complete footballers in the modern/evolved football. Writes weird stuff on his personal blog.
