Per Mertesacker explains ‘truly special’ Arsene Wenger moment before he joined Arsenal

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Former Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker had a number of iconic moments during his time at the club, and he helped win three major trophies under Arsene Wenger.

Mertesacker was a centre-back who was often criticised because of his lack of speed, but his intelligence and reading of the game were of a remarkably high level, and he formed an outstanding partnership at the back with Laurent Koscielny.

The German was a deadline day signing in the summer of 2011 alongside Mikel Arteta, and both former captains won trophies at the club before taking up roles after their retirement.

Mertesacker has now admitted that the day he signed for the club was one which sticks out in his memory, and revealed a conversation he had with Wenger prior to his arrival.

Per Mertesacker reveals Arsene Wenger conversation prior to Arsenal arrival

Speaking to Arsenal club media, Mertesacker claimed that his signing, his debut, and the 2017 FA Cup finals were his favourite moments during his time at the club.

“Probably Arsene Wenger’s call to get me to Arsenal was truly special, him speaking to Germany to get my medical booked, then him telling me all about the club and the story, but I didn’t need to know much, I already wanted to come here,” he stated when asked about his favourite moments.

“My debut game against Swansea at the Emirates, feeling the place for the very first time was truly special, with Andrei Arshavin scoring the winner against Swansea,” he added.

“I won a few finals, but the very special one was the 2017 one against Chelsea.”

Per Mertesacker was underrated at Arsenal

Mertesacker is now the head of the Hale End Academy at the club, and is currently performing a superb job in helping develop Arsenal’s best young talents.

Overall, Mertesacker’s playing career is somewhat underrated by Arsenal fans. The World Cup winner was a fairly consistent figure in what were fairly chaotic years towards the end of Wenger’s time at the club.

What he lacked in speed, Mertesacker made up for with his dominance in the air, and his supreme intelligence on the pitch.

He was the perfect calm head alongside Koscielny, and having arrived as something of a panic buy, he retired at the club after seven years and three FA Cups, whilst also garnering respect within the club for the way in which he conducted himself off the pitch.