Per Mertesacker has revealed his top priority is to earn a new contract at Arsenal. Before that, he needs to prove his fitness.
In an in-depth interview with German publication SPOX, the 32-year-old has shed light on the rehab programme he’s undertaking as he looks to recover from the knee ligament damage sustained on the eve of the season.
We’ve done our best to translate below…
SPOX: You’ve been working on your knee injury for several months in Donaustaf at Klaus Eder’s Rehabilitation Clinic. You’re aiming to return to training in mid-November. What’s the current standing?
Per Mertesacker: Basically, I am very satisfied with the course of my rehab. The doctors and therapists do an excellent job and the team around me works perfectly. That said I’m not a fan of clinging to specific dates.
At first you could only lie down. You spent time at home, what did you do to pass the time?
The first few weeks after surgery were indeed a journey into the past. I went back to my parents’ house. It sounds cheesy or dramatic, but that’s how it was. At first I thought, “Oh God…how am I going to get through these days without moving?” In retrospect, the time went much faster than expected. I had lots of visits from old friends and pals. I read a lot and busied myself with off pitch things. It’s important to make a conscious decision to distract yourself and do other things.
You’ve treated previous injuries in Donaustauf. What’s your daily routine like there?
When the decision to have surgery was taken, it was clear to me that my rehab should take place in Donaustauf. Arsenal gave me consent as always. I’ve developed a special relationship with the people there and have faith in them. I have sporadic visitors, but my full focus is on training. The day is completely planned out and that’s a good thing.
What type of care do you receive from Arsenal at this time?
There is close communication between the Arsenal medical department and the team in Donaustauf. Without communication, such a setup would not be possible. Our team doctor sat with me on the plane to Germany after the operation. I was taken care of. Of course, the form of contact with the person in charge at the moment is different. But I’m always in contact with London when needed and that’s good.
At this time you’re a long way from the team. Do you find it a little harder to radiate confidence?
No. On the contrary. It has been a case of “more now than ever” [I should be confident]. The initial frustration [of the injury] was processed quickly. I’m now looking forward to when I’m back in the dressing room with the first team again.
You’ve said previously you’re hoping this period will help you rediscover your focus. What do you mean exactly?
Being forced out and to lose your rhythm is unwanted. In England especially, the players barely have time to take a break and to pause. I’d rather be on the pitch, but during this time injured I’ve had a chance to question things and find my focus again.
In addition to comments about his desire to sign a new deal at Arsenal, Mertesacker also fielded questions on his long-term future.
Do you have any concrete ideas about what is to come after your football career?
I thought I’d reached an age as a footballer where I should start to deal with this issue. At the moment though my full focus is on making a full return to the pitch. As for when I retire, there’s no fixed decision. I can well imagine working in football after a brief pause. Fortunately for me, I’ve broad interests so life without football won’t be boring for me.
Is being a coach or manager something that interests?
People near to me, that I trust entirely, have recommended it. We’ll see what happens.
What headline would you like to read about yourself at the end of the current season?
Headlines about me are not important to me. If SPOX report that Arsenal have won the championship, that would, of course, be great.
You’ve got to love the BFG…let’s hope we see him soon.
Hope he sticks around, one of the good guys. He’s a consummate professional, and with plenty of young talent at the club his leadership will be vital. I also believe that his ability is often grossly and unfairly misjudged purely as a result of his lack of pace; if fully fit, I would pick Per alongside Kos or Mustafi before Gabriel.
Also he has very little to lose in as he grows older. Koscielny will be a different (probably worse) player when his pace goes, and players like Terry and Vidic suffered in the past when their ability to leap and strength waned, whereas Per’s game has always been based on awareness and positioning rather than physicality, so he is not ready for the scrap heap as some would have you believe
So to summarise, he has been away from his family in a clinic and could only lie down for a long period of time, just to try and earn the chance to break past 4 defenders back into the first team at the Arsenal? My man
I love players that respond intelligently during interviews. BFG is definitely one of those.
top top professional! Having him around will be great for our youngsters!
Want Per back in club as a coach when he retires. His reading of the game is top notch and is something I want/hope Calum and Holding would possess.
This guy and Arteta played a HUGE ROLE in us not falling out of the top 4 after cesc and cashiri left.
He might currently be the 3rd best centre back at arsenal but he could walk into any other premier league team,I hope he sticks around till he stops playing,and maybe comes back after that
Would you take Per as a future assistant manager at Arsenal like Bould do right now? I think that would be awesome.
He should not benefit a renewal of contract. He’ll be 32 next season and very very slow. We have Kos, Mustafi, Holding, Gabriel and Chambers. We don’t need him. AW made a mistake resigning Flamini and extending contract of Rosicky, Arteta and Diaby all becoming wastes of money
We don’t need to pay 100k a week to a player just to be around the dressing room. We should put our money for proper expenditure on the club and not waste on players whose playing career is over
Thanks for translating. Can see the BFG going into football management after he retires. Get well soon.
Football players are paid to play and to play well.Leadership, team dynamics, knowledge, technique, skill, maturity, wisdom, teamwork and relationships …all way overrated. Once they/players accept the paycheck they just become football playing machines. Any manager worth a damn understands this which is why all it takes to win championships is to buy the best players and demand they play their best or they get benched…all this team management is way overrated just like our silly Wenger, so says the mob. COYG In case some missed the sarcasm…let the manager and players play and judge them on effort, skill and… Read more »
“Headlines about me are not important to me. If SPOX report that Arsenal have won the championship, that would, of course, be great.” Proper Gooner I still remember the picture he posted on twitter after he signed an extension when he was younger in the JVC arsenal shirt.