For almost 15 years, professional football is about yourself: How can I improve? How can I make myself better? Before winning a game was the short-term reward that meant everything. Now, I can look at the bigger picture. — 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
Wenger has won three Premier League titles, which is proof enough of his standing as a manager. — 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
I was lucky to get a professional contract. I wasn't that sort of talent that is considered to be a professional player. — Per Mertesacker Copy Share Image
