This has indeed been a dream summer for the Big F***ing German, winning the FA Cup, his first ever silverware as a gunner and shortly after, winning the ultimate accolade, the FIFA World Cup winners medal.

However after winning 104 caps for his nation, the German feels it is time to make space for the younger generation.

“The decision was not at all an easy one but now I want to focus fully on my club and there are many tasks awaiting me” said Mertesacker.

Undoubtedly this is a big loss for the German national squad, but would delight the Arsenal Fans to the fullest.

Mertesacker’s dedication towards the club is remarkable and his passion on and off the pitch is often a point of discussion among the Arsenal fans.

Mertesacker feels that the Gunners still have a long way to go and the summer arrival of attacking talents such as Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sánchez has given him much cause for optimism.

“Danny Welbeck is very fast and clinical, and we desperately needed that. We need his goals so we can win important matches. And the same applies to Alexis Sánchez, who has a great understanding of the game.

He came from Barcelona and he's brought a lot to the team. He is very dangerous in front of goal. When new players arrive it takes some time for them to adapt and get used to the way Arsenal want to play. But we are happy to have both of these players”.

Being an experienced player for the club and county Per feels that it is important for the experienced players to show the younger ones that there is a chance to make it into the first team and also it's important for everyone to take on responsibility, even at a young age, also the need for communication among the team is very important.

The defenders have to help the forwards with their movements and gestures and also the need to anticipate and read situations correctly.

Even though a centre-back might not be the most glamourous position on the football pitch as the glory usually resides with the strikers “if you do a good job as a center-back you are praised and get the recognition and respect you deserve” adds BFG.