Arsenal Centre Back Per Mertesacker Retires From International Football

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Mertesacker retires as a World Cup winner.

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Arsenal centre back Per Mertesacker has announced his retirement from international football, report Sky Sports, becoming the third member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup winning side to hang up their boots for their country.

Mertesacker follows captain Phillip Lahm and striker Miroslav Klose, both of whom also announced their international retirement following Joachim Low’s side’s victory over Argentina in the final in Rio de Janeiro.

The former Werder Bremen man formed a superb partnership with Laurent Koscielny in the heart of the Arsenal defence last season and Gunners fans will be hoping that his retirement from international duty will increase his effectiveness at club level.

Mertesacker is due to miss out on the opening Premier League game of the season, as Arsenal face Crystal Palace, but is expected to be a key part of the side during the coming season.

The 29 year-old earned 104 caps for his country in an illustrious international career that saw him become one of the players to bridge the eras before and after the appointment of the forward thinking Low.

He joined Arsenal in August 2011 from Werder Bremen and has become a firm favourite with fans, both for his dominant displays at centre back and affable manner away from the pitch.

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