My father said, 'You're not going to make it.' That took a lot of pressure from me. I took football like a… — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
I had a totally different upbringing, totally different background, raised in Germany, small town, now I am in London taking care of… — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
I think it is so beneficial to English and British football when youngsters see different cultures and environments. — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
When I was young and visited England with my auntie, as somebody who was football crazy, I simply had to come back… — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
For almost 15 years, professional football is about yourself: How can I improve? How can I make myself better? Before winning a… — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
I want to make an impact on young people's lives and be part of their future no matter what they do because… — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
Doing something for others helped to not put that focus too much on football and to put things into perspective of how… — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
I can't even count to five when I say my proper friends in football. — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
I wasn't that good at football aged 14 or 15. I didn't take it too seriously. — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
When you step up as a young talent, you need to challenge the old lads. — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
Sometimes you need a humbling experience to think about a few things. — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
We cannot take responsibility for every goal we concede, we all need to do our part across the field to ensure we win as… — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
There are not a lot of German players out there who are successful in a foreign country. — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
I've never had that dream in my head: 'I want to play Bundesliga or Premier League.' I was a fan, but it was never… — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
My father said, 'You're not going to make it.' That took a lot of pressure from me. I took football like a hobby. — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
I had a totally different upbringing, totally different background, raised in Germany, small town, now I am in London taking care of 180 kids… — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
You spend some time with kids, you always take something with you. — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
Obviously, everyone looks at whether we bring young footballers into the first team, that's one of the goals. But I wouldn't discard someone who… — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
I never heard anything about 'potatoes' or 'kanaken' during my time in the national team. However I have been called 'potato,' too. — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
