View source for Per Mertesacker

{{Short description|German association football player (born 1984)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name               = Per Mertesacker
| image              = 54 Merci Arsène - Per Mertesacker (27086040527).jpg
| image_size         =
| caption            = Mertesacker with [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] in 2018
| full_name          = Per Mertesacker<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/465277 |title=Squads for 2017/18 Premier League confirmed |publisher=Premier League |date=1 September 2017 |access-date=8 September 2017}}</ref>
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1984|9|29|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/_/id/34041/per-mertesacker |title=Per Mertesacker |publisher=ESPN |access-date=28 February 2020}}</ref>
| birth_place        = [[Hanover]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/per-mertesacker_prs28812/person.shtml |title=Per Mertesacker |publisher=Eurosport |access-date=28 February 2020}}</ref> West Germany
| height             = 1.98 m<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/4246/Per-Mertesacker/overview |title=Per Mertesacker: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=28 February 2020}}</ref>
| position           = [[Centre back]]<ref>{{Hugman|24556|access-date=28 February 2020}}</ref>
| currentclub        = [[Arsenal F.C. Under-23s and Academy|Arsenal Academy]] (manager)
| youthyears1        = 1988–1995
| youthclubs1        = TSV Pattensen
| youthyears2        = 1995–2003
| youthclubs2        = [[Hannover 96]]
| years1             = 2003–2004
| clubs1             = [[Hannover 96 II]]
| caps1              = 16
| goals1             = 1
| years2             = 2003–2006
| clubs2             = [[Hannover 96]]
| caps2              = 74
| goals2             = 7
| years3             = 2006–2011
| clubs3             = [[SV Werder Bremen|Werder Bremen]]
| caps3              = 147
| goals3             = 12
| years4             = 2011–2018
| clubs4             = [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]
| caps4              = 156
| goals4             = 6
| totalcaps          = 393
| totalgoals         = 26
| nationalyears1     = 2003
| nationalteam1      = [[Germany national under-20 football team|Germany U20]]
| nationalcaps1      = 2
| nationalgoals1     = 0
| nationalyears2     = 2004
| nationalteam2      = [[Germany national under-21 football team|Germany U21]]
| nationalcaps2      = 3
| nationalgoals2     = 0
| nationalyears3     = 2004–2014
| nationalteam3      = [[Germany national football team|Germany]]
| nationalcaps3      = 104
| nationalgoals3     = 4
| manageryears1      = 2018– | managerclubs1 = [[Arsenal F.C. Under-23s and Academy|Arsenal Academy]]
| manageryears2      = 2019 | managerclubs2 = [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] (interim assistant)
| medaltemplates     = {{MedalSport|Men's [[Association football|Football]]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{Flagu|Germany}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIFA World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014 Brazil]]|}}
{{Medal|3rd|[[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 Germany]]|}}
{{Medal|3rd|[[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 South Africa]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[UEFA European Championship]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[UEFA Euro 2008|2008 Austria–Switzerland]]|}}
{{Medal|B|[[UEFA Euro 2012|2012 Poland–Ukraine]]|}}<!--Though there was no third place playoff, UEFA decided in the 2012 edition to award the semi-final losers (Germany and Portugal) bronze medals for the first time: https://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/competitions/euro/91/87/57/918757_download.pdf-->
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIFA Confederations Cup]]}}
{{Medal|3rd|[[2005 FIFA Confederations Cup|2005 Germany]]|}}
}}
'''Per Mertesacker''' ({{IPA|de|ˈpeːɐ̯ ˈmɛɐ̯təsʔakɐ}}; born 29 September 1984) is a German [[Association football|football]] [[Coach (sport)|coach]] and former professional [[Football player|player]] who played as a [[centre back]]. He is the current manager of the [[Arsenal F.C. Under-23s and Academy|Arsenal Academy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arsenal.com/news/mertesacker-lead-arsenal-academy|title=Per Mertesacker to lead Arsenal academy|date=23 July 2025 }}</ref>

Mertesacker began his senior career after being promoted from the youth ranks at [[Bundesliga]] club [[Hannover 96]], making his senior league debut in November 2003. He was soon dubbed "the Defence Pole" ("''die Abwehrlatte''") by German tabloids, and gained a reputation for his exceptional disciplinary record, going 31 league games without being booked.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/find-out-more-about...-per-mertesacker |title=Find out more about... Per Mertesacker |publisher=Arsenal.com |date=31 August 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225228/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/find-out-more-about...-per-mertesacker |archive-date=2 December 2013}}</ref> After various standout performances at Hannover, as well as starring for the [[Germany national football team|Germany national team]] at the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] at age 21, he transferred after 74 league matches for Hannover<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.rsssf.org/players/mertesackerdata.html | title = Per Mertesacker – Matches and Goals in Bundesliga | first = Matthias | last = Arnhold | date = 6 September 2018 | access-date = 20 September 2018 | publisher = [[Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|RSSSF]]}}</ref> to fellow Bundesliga outfit [[SV Werder Bremen|Werder Bremen]], for a fee of €5 million later that summer. His tenure at the club was characterized for his ability to read play and stifle the build-up play to opposition attacks, establishing himself as a defender with a quiet-but-effective game, and a core-component of the Bremen team that won the [[2009 DFB-Pokal Final|2009 DFB-Pokal]], and finished as runner-up in the [[2009 UEFA Cup Final|2009 UEFA Cup]].

After being singled out for praise for his performances at the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], and with his contract at Bremen dwindling, he transferred to [[Premier League]] club [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] a year later, for a fee of £8 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arsenal.com/arsenal/players/mertesacker|title=Per Mertesacker|website=www.arsenal.com|language=en|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref> At Arsenal, Mertesacker quickly established himself as the first-choice centre back for the club, becoming a mainstay despite sharing several defensive partners over his first two seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/34041/per-mertesacker?cc=3436 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721072015/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/34041/per-mertesacker?cc=3436 |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 July 2012 |title = Per Mertesacker | website = ESPN Soccernet | access-date =28 October 2011}}</ref> He eventually built up a solid relationship with fellow defender [[Laurent Koscielny]], and the duo would star as Arsenal ended their nine-year trophy drought by winning the [[2014 FA Cup Final|2014 FA Cup]]. He would later captain and score for the side in their retention of the trophy [[2015 FA Cup Final|a year later]], before becoming the club's outright [[Captain (association football)|captain]] in 2016. He would again star in his third victory of the trophy in [[2017 FA Cup Final|2017]]. However, injuries derailed the latter stages of his career at Arsenal, and was used sparingly during his final two seasons, being forced to retire in 2018.

At national level, Mertesacker played for Germany at the [[Germany national under-20 football team|under-20]] and [[Germany national under-21 football team|under-21]] levels, prior to debuting for the senior side in 2004 against [[Iran national football team|Iran]]. Upon his debut, Mertesacker established himself as Germany's first-choice centre back for ten years, participating in [[European Football Championship|UEFA European Championship]] in [[UEFA Euro 2008|2008]] and [[UEFA EURO 2012|2012]], as well as the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006]], [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010]] and [[2014 FIFA World Cup]]s, winning the latter. He would retire from international competition following this win.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.kicker.de/auch-mertesacker-hoert-als-nationalspieler-auf-609895/artikel | title = Auch Mertesacker hört als Nationalspieler auf | language = de | website = [[Kicker (magazine)|Kicker]] | date = 15 August 2014 | access-date = 15 August 2014}}</ref>

Mertesacker has developed other ventures, including the "Per Mertesacker Stiftung", a charitable foundation that helps support amateur sportsmen, and the poor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pms.mertesackerandfriends.de/ |title=Startseite |publisher=mertesackerandfriends.de |access-date=25 October 2011 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128054155/http://pms.mertesackerandfriends.de/ |archive-date=28 November 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="autogeneratedcc">{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/34041/per-mertesacker?cc=3436 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721072015/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/34041/per-mertesacker?cc=3436 |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 July 2012 |title=Per Mertesacker | website = ESPN Soccernet |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> He would transition into coaching following his retirement, taking charge of the [[Arsenal F.C. Under-23s and Academy|Arsenal Academy]].

==Early life==
The second of three sons,<ref name="DerSpiegel.Oct2004"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Mertesacker flutscht immer irgendwie durchs Leben|url=https://www.welt.de/sport/fussball/em-2012/article106384986/Mertesacker-flutscht-immer-irgendwie-durchs-Leben.html|work=[[Die Welt]]|date=29 May 2012|language=de | access-date = 20 December 2018}}</ref> Mertesacker was raised in [[Pattensen]], a small town on the outskirts of the city of [[Hanover]].<ref>{{cite web |title="Wie war das so mit Merte?" Fünf frühere Mitspieler des Weltmeisters im XXL-Interview |url=http://www.sportbuzzer.de/artikel/wie-war-das-so-mit-merte-funf-fruhere-mitspieler-des-weltmeisters-im-xxl-intervi/|work=[[Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung]]|date=26 September 2018|language=de | access-date = 18 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Das ist meine Heimat|url=http://www.haz.de/Umland/Pattensen/Nachrichten/Per-Mertesacker-zeigt-sein-Pattensen-Das-ist-meine-Heimat|work=[[Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung]]|date=30 March 2015|language=de | access-date = 18 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=FA Cup Final 2014: Arsenal's German Gang have taste for silverware|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/fa-cup-final-2014-arsenals-german-gang-have-taste-for-silverware-9388958.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/fa-cup-final-2014-arsenals-german-gang-have-taste-for-silverware-9388958.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=[[The Independent]]|date=16 May 2018|first=Robin|last=Scott-Elliot | access-date = 18 December 2018}}</ref> He began playing football alongside his brothers at the local amateur club TSV Pattensen before joining [[Hannover 96]], where their father was a part-time coach.<ref name="DerSpiegel.May2018">{{cite web|title=Per, das wird nichts|url=http://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball/per-mertesacker-ueber-seine-kindheit-in-pattensen-per-das-wird-nichts-a-1205976.html|work=[[Der Spiegel]]|date=3 May 2018|language=de | access-date = 18 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title="My first..." With Per Mertesacker: It All Began At TSV Pattensen|url=https://www.dfb.de/en/news/detail/my-first-with-per-mertesacker-it-all-began-at-tsv-pattensen-113889/|publisher=[[German Football Association|DFB]]|date=2 January 2015 | access-date = 18 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mitgliederzuwachs durch WM-Titel? So profitieren Amateurvereine|url=https://www.dfb.de/trainer/artikel/mitgliederzuwachs-durch-wm-titel-so-profitieren-amateurvereine-1397/?no_cache=1&cHash=2615ec80e4bc960bc51ab78064473c64|publisher=[[German Football Association|DFB]]|date=11 February 2015|language=de | access-date = 18 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Timo Mertesacker: Mit Bruder Per um die Welt|url=http://www.fussball.de/newsdetail/timo-mertesacker-mit-bruder-per-um-die-welt/-/article-id/131749#!/|publisher=[[fussball.de]]|date=14 October 2015 | access-date = 19 December 2018}}</ref> As a youth player Mertesacker was neither a highly regarded prospect or had any ambitions of being a professional footballer and chose to study for his abitur with the goal of entering tertiary education.<ref name="DerSpiegel.May2018"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Per Mertesacker - Weltmeister mit besonderen Werten|url=https://www.zdf.de/sport/per-mertesacker-laedt-am-samstag-zu-seinem-abschiedsspiel-100.html|first=Christian|last=Otto|date=13 October 2018|publisher=[[ZDF]]|language=de| access-date = 20 December 2018}}</ref>

==Club career==
===Hannover 96===
Mertesacker joined the youth system of [[Hannover 96]] where he played under his father Stefan, one of the youth coaches, until age 15.<ref>{{cite news|title=Merte: Karriere-Ende bei 96?|url=http://www.hannover96.de/CDA/aktuelles/96-live/pressespiegel/detailansicht.html?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1066&cHash=03f2a8af9d|publisher=Hannover96.de|date=15 November 2007|language=de | access-date =17 September 2010}}</ref> While juggling his football commitments and training, he completed his '[[Abitur]]' at Carl-Friedrich-Gauß-Schule, a [[comprehensive school]] located in nearby [[Hemmingen]] noted for its sports program,<ref>{{cite news|title=DFB zeichnet "Eliteschule des Fußballs" in Hannover aus|url=https://www.dfb.de/news/de/dfb-allgemein/dfb-zeichnet-eliteschule-des-fussballs-in-hannover-aus/15908.html|publisher=[[German Football Association|DFB]]|date=2 October 2008|language=de | access-date = 19 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mertesacker flutscht immer irgendwie durchs Leben|url=https://www.welt.de/sport/fussball/em-2012/article106384986/Mertesacker-flutscht-immer-irgendwie-durchs-Leben.html|publisher=[[Die Welt]]|date=29 May 2012|language=de | access-date = 19 June 2014 | first = Jürn | last = Krus}}</ref> and subsequently carried out his '[[Zivildienst]]'<ref>English: "alternative civilian service", the alternative to the then-required [[Conscription in Germany|military conscription service]]</ref> at a centre for handicapped people in Hanover.<ref name="autogenerated3"/><ref name="DerSpiegel.Oct2004">{{cite web|title=Ich bin Fan von Arsenal London|url=http://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball/mertesacker-interview-ich-bin-fan-von-arsenal-london-a-325459.html|work=[[Der Spiegel]]|date=29 October 2004|language=de | access-date = 19 December 2018}}</ref> He was promoted to the first team for the [[2003-04 Bundesliga|2003–04 season]] and made his league debut in November 2003, starting against [[1. FC Köln|Cologne]] in the unfamiliar role of right-back. At the time of his debut he was the youngest German-born player in the [[Bundesliga]].<ref name="DerSpiegel.Mar2018"/> However he had a forgettable match and was promptly substituted at half-time by veteran [[Steve Cherundolo]] and sent back to the [[Hannover 96 II|reserve/amateur team]].<ref name="FAZ.Jun2005">{{cite news|title=Jugendlicher Spätstarter|url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/sport/fussball/per-mertesacker-jugendlicher-spaetstarter-1230161.html|work=[[Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung]]|date=8 June 2005|language=de | access-date = 19 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=11. Spieltag, 1. FC Köln – Hannover 96 1:2 (1:1) — Unglückliche Niederlage für die Kölner|url=https://www.kicker.de/koeln-gegen-hannover-2003-bundesliga-635157/analyse|work=[[Kicker (sports magazine)|kicker]]|language=de | access-date = 19 December 2018}}</ref> Mertesacker was not seen as an exceptional player at that time and had thought about changing sports.<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite web |url=http://www.dfb.de:80/index.php?id=137&action=showPlayer&player=mertesacker_per&lang=E&cHash=579a30385a3d21ee7ac0a08d22ef6dad |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010061639/http://www.dfb.de/index.php?id=137&action=showPlayer&player=mertesacker_per&lang=E&cHash=579a30385a3d21ee7ac0a08d22ef6dad |publisher=[[German Football Association|DFB]] |title=National team player Per Mertesacker |archive-date=10 October 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> He returned to the first team during the latter half of the season and contributed to Hannover 96's successful battle against relegation. The following season began more auspiciously as he scored his first goal as professional, a last-minute equaliser against [[Borussia Dortmund]] in August 2004.<ref>{{cite web |title=3. Spieltag, Borussia Dortmund – Hannover 96 1:1 (1:0) — Mertesacker mit kaum mehr geglaubten Ausgleich|url=https://www.kicker.de/dortmund-gegen-hannover-2004-bundesliga-677691/analyse|work=[[Kicker (sports magazine)|kicker]]|date=29 August 2004|language=de | access-date = 19 December 2018}}</ref> Having established himself as first-choice centre back, his strong performances and clean disciplinary record did not go unnoticed by new national team coach [[Jürgen Klinsmann]], who called him up and eventually handed him his senior international debut in October 2004.<ref name="FAZ.Jun2005"/><ref name="DerSpiegel.Oct2004"/>

The slender Mertesacker was soon dubbed "the Defence Pole" (''die Abwehrlatte'') by German tabloids and gained a reputation for his good disciplinary record. His first 31 Bundesliga matches ended without a single yellow card, earning him the nickname "Mr. Clean".<ref name="autogenerated3"/> He was only booked twice during his entire career at Hannover.<ref name="autogeneratedcc"/> On 13 May 2006, he played his last game for Hannover 96 and fittingly scored the opening goal in a 2–2 draw against [[Bayer 04 Leverkusen|Bayer Leverkusen]].

During his time at Hannover 96, he became good friends with the late [[Robert Enke]], and along with [[Michael Ballack]], presented the laurel during Enke's memorial service. He later started a temporary account through his foundation (''Per Mertesacker Stiftung'') to collect donations for Enke's widow.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pms.mertesackerandfriends.de/startseite.html | title = Per Mertesacker Stiftung | publisher = Per Mertesacker Stiftung | language = de | access-date = 17 September 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100220105421/http://pms.mertesackerandfriends.de/startseite.html | archive-date = 20 February 2010 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

In October 2018, Mertesacker returned to Hanover for his charity-cum-[[testimonial match]], which featured his former teammates from Hannover 96 facing off against a "World XI" team composed of his former teammates from Arsenal, Werder Bremen and the Germany national team.<ref>{{cite web|title=Große Emotionen bei Mertesacker-Abschied|url=https://tv.dfb.de/video/grosse-emotionen-bei-mertesacker-abschied/23343/|publisher=[[German Football Association|DFB]]|date=15 October 2018|language=de | access-date = 18 December 2018}}</ref> Instead of holding his testimonial match in London, where he was based when he retired, he chose Hanover as it was where his career began.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mertesacker: "Meilensteine, Zufall und die Eistonne"|url=https://www.kicker.de/mertesacker_meilensteine-zufall-und-die-eistonne-733727/artikel|work=[[Kicker (sports magazine)|kicker]]|date=11 October 2018|language=de | access-date = 18 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mertesacker-Abschied in der HDI-Arena|url=https://www.dfb.de/news/detail/mertesacker-abschied-in-der-hdi-arena-185017/|publisher=[[German Football Association]]|date=13 April 2018|language=de | access-date = 18 December 2018}}</ref>

===Werder Bremen===
[[File:Per mertesacker bayern.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Mertesacker playing for [[SV Werder Bremen|Werder Bremen]]]]
In August 2006, Mertesacker moved to [[SV Werder Bremen|Werder Bremen]] in a €5 million transfer deal after a highly impressive performance in the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup]], in which Germany finished third.<ref>{{cite news|title=Summer spree for the Bundesliga|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=104855.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112170752/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=104855.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 November 2012|publisher=[[FIFA|fifa.com]]|date=9 August 2006 | access-date =17 September 2010}}</ref> At the time of his transfer, he and Brazilian midfielder [[Diego (footballer, born 1985)|Diego]], who joined from [[FC Porto|Porto]], were jointly Bremen's most expensive signings in the club's history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mertesacker verstärkt Bremen|url=http://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball/norddeutscher-tauschhandel-mertesacker-verstaerkt-bremen-a-430634.html|work=[[Der Spiegel]]|date=8 August 2006|language=de | access-date = 18 December 2018}}</ref> Despite missing the first month and a half through an injury sustained at the World Cup, he quickly made the centre-back position his own upon his return to the starting eleven. In November, he scored his debut Champions League goal in a 1–0 win over [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] to end the [[Premier League]] winners' unbeaten streak in the season's competition. Upon his first return to the [[AWD-Arena]] for the first game of the second half of the season, he refused to celebrate after scoring against his boyhood club.<ref>{{cite web|title=Das langersehnte Heimspiel|url=http://www.hannover96.de/CDA/aktuelles/96-live/pressespiegel/detailansicht.html?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1016&cHash=579daae534|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121004728/http://www.hannover96.de/CDA/aktuelles/96-live/pressespiegel/detailansicht.html?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1016&cHash=579daae534|publisher=[[Hannover 96]]|archive-date=21 November 2007|date=15 November 2007|language=de | access-date =17 September 2010}}</ref>

The [[2007–08 Bundesliga|2007–08 season]] was a mixed bag for Mertesacker. He started in nearly all of Bremen's league and European fixtures and received his first red card in his professional career in a 6–3 loss against [[VfB Stuttgart]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Mertesacker hit with three-game ban|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=894608.html#mertesacker+with+three+game|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003143002/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=894608.html#mertesacker+with+three+game|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 October 2008|publisher=[[FIFA|fifa.com]]|date=1 October 2008 | access-date =17 September 2010}}</ref> Bremen finished runners-up in the league winning only two games fewer than champions [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] and managed to seal a place in the next season's [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]]. At the end of the season, he signed a two-year extension to his original contract.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mertesacker extends Bremen contract|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=812868.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709054746/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=812868.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 July 2008|publisher=[[FIFA|fifa.com]]|date=22 June 2008 | access-date =17 September 2010}}</ref>

After returning from the [[UEFA Euro 2008|Euro 2008]], Mertesacker again missed the beginning of the new season with a knee injury and through illness. In September, he returned to the starting line-up. He scored the opening goal in the [[DFB-Pokal]] semi-final away at northern rivals [[Hamburger SV]] to break the deadlock after a goalless first half, but the home side equalised, forcing the match into extra time and Bremen eventually triumphed 4–2 on penalties. He was ever present for the rest of the season until injury forced him off in the [[2008–09 UEFA Cup#Semi-finals|UEFA Cup semifinal]] second leg against Bundesliga rivals Hamburg.<ref>{{cite news|title=Werders Nationalspielern drohen bis zu 68 Spiele|url=http://www.weser-kurier.de/Artikel/Werder/5015/Werders+Nationalspielern+drohen+bis+zu+68+Spiele.html|publisher=Weser Kurier|date=16 July 2009|language=de | access-date =17 September 2010}}</ref> It was later revealed that he had torn ligaments in his right ankle and required surgery. He was ruled out for the rest of the season, as well as the [[2009 UEFA Cup Final|UEFA Cup final]] loss against [[FC Shakhtar Donetsk|Shakhtar Donetsk]] and [[2009 DFB-Pokal Final|DFB-Pokal final]], which they won. He scored four goals in all competitions, including a crucial equalizer against [[VfL Wolfsburg]].

Mertesacker began the [[2009–10 Bundesliga|2009–10 season]] well with a 5–0 win over [[FC Union Berlin]] in the [[2009–10 DFB-Pokal]], the first game of the season. In October, he scored his first goal of the season in a 2–0 win against [[TSG 1899 Hoffenheim|1899 Hoffenheim]] and a last-minute equalizer in the clash against table-toppers Bayer Leverkusen in February. He played 33 Bundesliga matches in total, scoring five goals in the process.<ref name="whoscored.com_3181">{{cite web| title=Werder Bremen Squad Archive Summary Bundesliga 2009/10|url=http://www.whoscored.com/Teams/42/Archive?stageId=3181|publisher=WhoScored.com | access-date =15 September 2011}}</ref>

In the [[2010–11 Bundesliga|2010–11 season]], Mertesacker made 30 Bundesliga appearances, scoring two goals. He averaged 46.3 passes per game, the third-highest in the Bremen squad, and the second highest pass success rate, with 82%, demonstrating another facet of his game.<ref>{{cite web|title=Werder Bremen Squad Archive Summary Bundesliga 2010/11| url=http://www.whoscored.com/Teams/42/Archive?stageId=4448|publisher=WhoScored.com | access-date =15 September 2011}}</ref>

Over the course of his final two seasons at Bremen, Mertesacker received just one yellow card in 63 league matches. He averaged less than one foul per game, cementing his reputation as an astute reader of the game, defying critics' predictions that his height would render him clumsy and having a tendency to frequently concede fouls.<ref name="whoscored.com_3181" />

===Arsenal===

[[File:Per Mertesacker.jpg|thumb|right|Mertesacker and Arsenal against [[Borussia Dortmund]] in the [[UEFA Champions League]]]]
On 31 August 2011, [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] confirmed they had signed Mertesacker on a four-year contract. He was presented the number 4 shirt previously worn by former team captain [[Cesc Fàbregas]]. In his first month at the club, Mertesacker started in every one of his available league and European matches since his summer move, battling on through the month with various defensive partners as injury problems mounted. "I want to do a good job, especially in the defence," he said. "That is my role. If the coach praises me then that is a great thing but I have to go on and keep on working." In November, he enjoyed a positive month at the heart of the Arsenal defence as he developed his partnership with fellow defender [[Laurent Koscielny]]. The Germany international helped the ''Gunners'' to victories against [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]], [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]] and [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] – and was outstanding as Arsenal kept a clean sheet in the away victory in [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]]. He remained an integral part of [[Arsène Wenger]]'s first team, playing in every one of Arsenal's available Premier League fixtures over the next month. He was virtually ever-present over January, missing only the [[FA Cup]] victory over [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] through illness.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/per-mertesacker |access-date=20 May 2012|title=Mertesacker and Arsenal work| date = 21 May 2012 | publisher = Arsenal}}</ref>

In February, Mertesacker suffered an ankle injury in the win over Sunderland away at the [[Stadium of Light]] and faced a long-term spell on the sidelines. Prior to his injury, he featured in the draw at [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] and the 7–1 victory over [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] at [[Emirates Stadium]]. "Unfortunately he has had surgery and we have lost him for a while," said Arsène Wenger. "How long, I don't know. He had reconstruction of his ligaments. So it will be long term." He had not featured for Arsenal for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/per-mertesacker |access-date=30 May 2012|title=Mertesacker injury rules him out until season end| date = 1 June 2012 | publisher = Arsenal}}</ref>

In his second season, Mertesacker played in Arsenal's first two matches, helping the team keep clean sheets against Sunderland and Stoke. "I think we have a better situation than last year," he said. "The team is full of characters, good players and every position [has competition]." He featured four times in September, forging a fine partnership with [[Thomas Vermaelen]] (who replaced Koscielny due to injury) in the process. The German centre back was named man of the match after an excellent performance in a 1–1 draw with [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] at the [[City of Manchester Stadium|Etihad Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/per-mertesacker |access-date=18 September 2012|title=Mertesacker praised for Varmaelen partnership| date = 19 September 2012 | publisher = Arsenal}}</ref>
[[File:Flickr - Ronnie Macdonald - Per Mertesacker ^ Seb Larsson.jpg|thumb|right|270px|Mertesacker on the ball for [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] against [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] in 2012]]

In October, Mertesacker continued to perform well, making four appearances and helping the club to victories over [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] and [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]]. Laurent Koscielny praised the German's performances, saying, "I am happy for Per because he's a nice guy, very important in the dressing room. He's a joker so he's good for the team. I'm happy because he's played well this season and it's good for the team."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/per-mertesacker |access-date=20 October 2012|title=Koscielny approves of Mertesacker| date = 19 October 2012 | publisher = Arsenal}}</ref> Mertesacker was an ever-present throughout November. He scored his first goal for the club in the 5–2 win over [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] and was voted man of the match for his performance in the 0–0 draw with [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]. "It was amazing from the very start," he told Arsenal after the Tottenham game. "It was very good to score because we were one man up and they were dropping off. I kept standing in the box and tried to be lucky. The ball from [[Theo Walcott|Theo]] [Walcott] was very good and it was a good day to score."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/per-mertesacker |access-date=20 November 2012|title=Mertesacker scores first Arsenal goal| date = 21 November 2012 | publisher = Arsenal}}</ref>

Mertesacker made five appearances in December, missing only the trip to [[Olympiacos F.C.|Olympiacos]] in the [[2012–13 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] and the home win over [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]]. On being drawn against Bayern Munich in the [[2012–13 UEFA Champions League knockout phase|Champions League round of 16]], he said, "We will face a good team in Germany. They are top of their league and went through to the knockout stage in a phenomenal way. They only conceded seven goals in the first half of the season. [But] they have a little break now and can rest a bit. Maybe it's a good opportunity for us to face them in February because we will be in our rhythm. We will hopefully go through the Christmas period in a strong way. We can do that."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/per-mertesacker |access-date=28 December 2012|title=Mertesacker has faith in Bayern draw| date = 29 December 2012 | publisher = Arsenal}}</ref> Mertesacker captained Arsenal for the first time in the [[2012–13 FA Cup|FA Cup]] win over [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] in January, and appeared in every game save for the draw at [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]] on New Year's Day. "We are always looking to win something and we can achieve something with this group," he told Arsenal. "We have a lively group so our thoughts are now on the next match. That's the most important thing for us, not what's going to happen in May. We have a few targets in our team that are possible this year. We won't talk about it, we'll just see what happens in the next few important weeks on the pitch."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/per-mertesacker |access-date=28 January 2013|title=Mertesacker says Arsenal targets are achievable| date = 29 January 2013 | publisher = Arsenal}}</ref> Mertesacker started four games in February, missing only the FA Cup loss to Blackburn at the Emirates. "It's always special to face a German team," the defender said ahead of the Champions League tie against Bayern. "[Me and [[Lukas Podolski]]] are looking forward to it because Bayern are a great team and are so consistent this year. It's a special game for German players to play against a team from their home country."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/per-mertesacker |access-date=25 February 2013|title=Mertesacker is looking forward to face Bayern| date = 26 February 2013 | publisher = Arsenal}}</ref>

[[File:Steven N'Zonzi, Per Mertesacker & Glenn Whelan.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Mertesacker and Arsenal against [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke]] in the [[Premier League]]]]

Mertesacker was a mainstay in March, playing every single minute of Arsenal's four games. The centre back was on target in the defeat at Tottenham and was a key component in the defence that kept clean sheets against both Bayern Munich and [[Swansea City F.C.|Swansea City]]. "It rained cats and dogs, especially in the second half," he said after the win in south Wales, in [[Swansea]]. "It was very slippery but it was a vital win."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/per-mertesacker |access-date=25 March 2013|title=Mertesacker a vital component for Arsenal in March| date = 26 March 2013 | publisher = Arsenal}}</ref> In April, Mertesacker was shown a red card at [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] in the first game of the month. The defender returned to the team after suspension and was named man of the match against [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] after scoring the only goal away at [[Craven Cottage]]. "I think they've been terrific – not only defending very well but also creating goals for us at the other end like they did last week against Fulham," said goalkeeper [[Wojciech Szczęsny]] on the partnership between Mertesacker and Koscielny. "They're getting the credit they deserve because they work very hard and they're very honest lads. I'm very happy for them and it's much easier to play behind them when they are in that kind of form."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/per-mertesacker |access-date=25 April 2013|title=Mertesacker and Koscielny partnership noticed| date = 26 April 2013 | publisher = Arsenal}}</ref>

Mertesacker impressed at the back alongside Koscielny in May. The German defender was given the captain's armband in Arsenal's last game of the season when [[Mikel Arteta]] went off injured. "I think it is good for us to play against teams who are under pressure," he said after the win against Queens Park Rangers [who were on the brink of relegation]. "It helps us keep our focus on a high level."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/per-mertesacker |access-date=16 May 2013|title=Mertesacker relishes pressure games| date = 17 May 2013 | publisher = Arsenal}}</ref>

Mertesacker was named as the temporary [[Captain (association football)|captain]] of the side after injuries to Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta at the beginning of the 2013–14 season.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}} He scored his first goal of the season against Stoke following a free-kick from compatriot [[Mesut Özil]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24098512|title=Arsenal 3–1 Stoke City|website=BBC Sport|date=22 September 2013|access-date=27 September 2013|last=Magowan|first=Alistair}}</ref> After his [[man of the match]] performance away to [[Borussia Dortmund]] in the [[2013–14 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] helped Arsenal to a 1–0 win,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/borussia-dortmund-0-arsenal-1-match-report-top-guns-show-true-quality-in-a-victory-to-silence-doubters-8925645.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/borussia-dortmund-0-arsenal-1-match-report-top-guns-show-true-quality-in-a-victory-to-silence-doubters-8925645.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live| title = Borussia Dortmund 0 Arsenal 1 match report: Top Guns show true quality in a victory to silence doubters |date=6 November 2013|access-date=29 November 2013|work=The Independent | first = James | last = Olley}}</ref> Mertesacker's influence was cited as a significant factor in Arsenal's excellent start to the [[2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season|2013–14 season]], which saw the team leading the [[2013–14 Premier League|Premier League]] at the end of November.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/10480176/Per-Mertesackers-transformation-from-Arsenal-misfit-to-cult-hero-set-to-land-defender-a-contract-extension.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/10480176/Per-Mertesackers-transformation-from-Arsenal-misfit-to-cult-hero-set-to-land-defender-a-contract-extension.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Per Mertesacker's transformation from Arsenal misfit to cult hero set to land defender a contract extension|date=28 November 2013|work=The Telegraph | access-date = 29 November 2013 | first = Jeremy | last = Wilson}}{{cbignore}}</ref> As Mertesacker's great run continued, he was voted as a part of the Premier League Team of the Year, along with teammate [[Aaron Ramsey]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2013-14/jan/premierleaguecom-users-team-of-the-year-2013-revealed.html|title=Premierleague.com users' Team of 2013 revealed|date=2 January 2014|work=Premier League|access-date=13 January 2014}}</ref> On 13 January 2014, Mertesacker made his 100th official appearance for the ''Gunners'' in a 1–2 away win over Aston Villa. On 4 March 2014, Mertesacker signed a new contract with Arsenal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mertesacker and Rosicky sign new deals |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140304/new-deals-for-mertesacker-and-rosicky |work=Arsenal FC |date=4 March 2014 | access-date=4 March 2014}}</ref>

On 12 April 2014, Mertesacker scored an 82nd-minute equalising goal for Arsenal in the [[2013–14 FA Cup|FA Cup]] semi-final against [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]]. The match finished 1–1 after [[Overtime (sports)|extra time]], with Arsenal winning 4–2 in a [[penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shootout]]. He had earlier conceded the penalty that had put Wigan 1–0 up.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26897266|title=Wigan 1–1 Arsenal|date=12 April 2014|website=BBC Sport | access-date = 18 May 2014}}</ref> On 17 May 2014, Mertesacker started in the [[2014 FA Cup Final]] as Arsenal beat [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]] 3–2 at [[Wembley Stadium]].<ref name=2014FACupFinal>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27354148 |title=Arsenal 3–2 Hull City |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=17 May 2014 |access-date=28 February 2020}}</ref>

After initially featuring sparingly due to injuries in the 2014–15, he returned to captain Arsenal in the [[2015 FA Cup Final]] at [[Wembley Stadium|Wembley]] in a 4–0 victory over Aston Villa. He scoring the third goal, a header, during the second half.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/32563518|title=FA Cup final – FT: Arsenal 4–0 Villa|date=30 May 2015|website=BBC Sport | access-date = 30 May 2015}}</ref>

After healing from injury, Mertesacker remained a mainstay in the Arsenal backline, playing alongside Laurent Koscielny. With Arsenal making a charge towards the title, Arsène Wenger singled out Mertesacker for praise, calling him an "important leader in the dressing room and a respected one".<ref>{{Cite web|title = Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker are Arsenal's leaders, says Arsene Wenger|url = http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/10141973/mesut-ozil-and-per-mertesacker-are-arsenals-leaders-says-arsene-wenger|website = Sky Sports|access-date = 25 January 2016|date = 24 January 2016}}</ref> On 24 January 2016, in a match against [[London]] rivals Chelsea, Mertesacker was sent off after 18 minutes for a late tackle on [[Diego Costa]], who later scored the only goal of the game at Emirates.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Chelsea's Diego Costa wounds Arsenal after Per Mertesacker's red card|url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/24/arsenal-chelsea-premier-league-match-report|newspaper = The Guardian|date = 24 January 2016|access-date = 25 January 2016|issn = 0261-3077|language = en-GB|first = David|last = Hytner}}</ref>

However, he would sustain an injury against [[RC Lens|Lens]] in the 2016–17 pre-season, undergoing knee surgery in his native Germany later that month. Following a clash between Arsenal and [[Viking FK|Viking]], [[Arsène Wenger]] confirmed that Mertesacker would be absent until December.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20160805/wenger-on-transfers-and-individuals|title=Wenger on transfers and individuals|date=5 August 2016|work=Arsenal.com}}</ref> Despite the injury he was named club captain following the retirement of Mikel Arteta.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20160811/-our-new-captain-was-the-natural-choice-|title=Our new captain was the natural choice|website=www.arsenal.com|language=en|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref> He was a second-half substitute on the last day against Everton.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39912025 | title = Arsenal 3–1 Everton | website = BBC Sport | date = 21 May 2017 | access-date = 22 May 2017 | first = Phil | last = McNulty}}</ref> On 27 May 2017, Mertesacker made his only start of the season, in the FA Cup final against [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]], which Arsenal won 2–1. He made a number of important tackles during the match and his performance was praised by opposition manager [[Antonio Conte]], who stated that Mertesacker was a "perfect example for any young professional football player," adding that "what he did today was just a consequence of an unbelievable attitude every day."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/players/antonio-conte-believes-arsenal-captain-13105843 | title = Antonio Conte believes Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker sets a 'perfect example' for youngsters | website = football.london | date = 29 May 2017 | access-date = 7 July 2017}}</ref>

Arsenal would later confirm the 2017–18 season would be Mertesacker's last, before becoming the head of the club's academy the following year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.arsenal.com/news/mertesacker-lead-arsenal-academy|title= Per Mertesacker to lead Arsenal academy |date=7 July 2017|work=Arsenal.com}}</ref> On 7 January 2018, Per Mertesacker captained the Arsenal team in an FA Cup game away against Nottingham Forest and scored a goal to make the score 1–1, with the game eventually finishing 4–2 to Forest, before featuring in his last ever game for the club in a win against [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] on 6 May 2018.

==International career==
In September 2004, [[Jürgen Klinsmann]], then-manager of [[Germany national football team|Germany]], called Mertesacker up for 9 October 2004 game against [[Iran national football team|Iran]]. He made his debut less than two weeks after his 20th birthday when he came on as a second-half substitute for [[Christian Wörns]].
[[File:FIFA WC-qualification 2014 - Austria vs. Germany 2012-09-11 - Per Mertesacker 03.JPG|250px|thumb|right|Mertesacker during a [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2014 World Cup qualifying match]] against Austria]]

With his quiet but effective game, he established himself as Germany's first-choice centre back,<ref>{{cite news|title=Hannover? Das bedeutet sehr gute Stimmung|url=http://www.haz.de/Nachrichten/Sport/Fussball/Uebersicht/Hannover-Das-bedeutet-sehr-gute-Stimmung|publisher=Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung|date=1 September 2009|language=de}}</ref> pairing up with [[Robert Huth]], [[Christoph Metzelder]], [[Heiko Westermann]] and later [[Arne Friedrich]]. At the [[2005 FIFA Confederations Cup]] hosted on home soil, he played the full 90 minutes in all five games and scored his first international goal in a group stage match against [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australia]] as Germany finished in third place.<ref>{{cite news|title=Buoyant Germans glimpse future|url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/tournament=101/edition=8503/news/newsid=17537.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031055233/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/tournament=101/edition=8503/news/newsid=17537.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 October 2007|publisher=[[FIFA|fifa.com]]|date=30 June 2005 | access-date =17 September 2010}}</ref>

At the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup]] on home soil, Mertesacker paired with Metzelder in central defence. After Germany won the quarter-final penalty shoot-out against [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]], Mertesacker suffered minor injuries to his thigh and a kick to the groin when he was attacked after the final whistle by Argentine unused substitute [[Leandro Cufré]]; Cufré was later fined and suspended four matches. After Germany's loss to [[Italy national football team|Italy]] in the semi-finals, Mertesacker had surgery on one of his legs and left testicle (not related to the attack above, but an injury he had been dealing with during previous matches) and missed the third place play-off. Nevertheless, his impressive showing did earn him a transfer to Bundesliga team Werder Bremen after the tournament.

Mertesacker was first-choice when fit during [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying Group D|2008 European Championship qualification]] and was ever present in the [[UEFA Euro 2008|final tournament]] itself. Due to injury problems at the beginning of the 2009–10 season, he missed several [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2010 World Cup qualifiers]] but later retained his place as first choice. Mertesacker regularly wears the number 17 jersey.

Mertesacker was called up for the [[UEFA Euro 2012|2012 European Championship]] but spent the whole tournament on the bench as an unused substitute due to the emergence of youngsters [[Mats Hummels]] and [[Holger Badstuber]]. He broke his seven-year goal drought for the national team when he scored his second international goal for Germany on 17 October 2012, in a [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group C|2014 World Cup qualifier]] against [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Mertesacker scores for Germany|url=http://straightalkingooners.com/video-mertesacker-scores-2nd-goal-for-germany/11906/|publisher=STG|date=17 October 2012|access-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021074737/http://straightalkingooners.com/video-mertesacker-scores-2nd-goal-for-germany/11906/|archive-date=21 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 13 September 2013, he scored his third goal for Germany against the [[Faroe Islands national football team|Faroe Islands]].<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/mertesacker-intl.html | title = Per Mertesacker – Century of International Appearances | first = Roberto | last = Mamrud | date = 6 September 2018 | access-date = 20 September 2018 | publisher = [[Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|RSSSF]]}}</ref> On 19 November 2013, Mertesacker captained the side and also scored the winning goal as Germany beat [[England national football team|England]] 1–0 at Wembley Stadium in a friendly match to mark the 150th anniversary of [[The Football Association]].<ref>{{cite news|title=England 0 Germany 1 match report: Same old story as Germans are too hot for England thanks to Per Mertesacker winner|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/england-0-germany-1-match-report-same-old-story-as-germans-are-too-hot-for-england-thanks-to-per-8950396.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/england-0-germany-1-match-report-same-old-story-as-germans-are-too-hot-for-england-thanks-to-per-8950396.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=[[The Independent]]|date=20 November 2013|first=Sam|last=Wallace | access-date = 25 December 2018}}</ref>

During the [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group C|2014 World Cup qualification campaign]], Mertesacker contributed two goals and also re-established himself as first-choice centre back following a long-term injury to Badstuber in the middle of the 2011–12 season, often partnering either Hummels or [[Jérôme Boateng]]. He was called up for the final World Cup squad<ref>{{cite news|title=World Cup 2014: Miroslav Klose confirmed in Germany squad|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/27326808|website=BBC Sport|date=2 June 2014}}</ref> and played in all but one of the matches during Germany's successful run to the [[2014 FIFA World Cup Final|final]], as well as reaching his 100th cap during the [[2014 FIFA World Cup Group G|group stage]] match against Ghana.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mertesacker set for 100th Germany cap defying critics|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-world-germany-mertesacker/mertesacker-set-for-100th-germany-cap-defying-critics-idUSKBN0EU2ES20140619|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=20 June 2014|first=Erik|last=Kirschbaum| access-date = 17 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mertesacker reaches 100 Germany caps|url=https://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140620/mertesacker-reaches-100-caps-for-germany|publisher=[[Arsenal F.C.]]|date=20 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Brazil 2014's 100 club|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/brazil-2014-s-100-club-2400785|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511155054/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/brazil-2014-s-100-club-2400785|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 May 2018|publisher=[[FIFA|fifa.com]]|date=6 July 2014 | access-date = 17 December 2018}}</ref> On 15 August 2014, Mertesacker announced his retirement from international football.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/15/arsenal-per-mertesacker-retires-germany-international|title=Per Mertesacker retires from international duty with Germany|date=15 August 2014|access-date=15 August 2014|work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mir fehlt Mertesacker jetzt schon|url=https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/per-mertesacker/buechler-vermisst-mertesacker-37277226.bild.html|work=[[Bild]]|date=17 August 2014|language=de | access-date = 19 December 2018}}</ref>

During the [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014 World Cup]] Mertesacker became an internet sensation after a video of his live post-match interview was uploaded on YouTube and went viral, amassing over 28 million views as of June 2015.<ref name="welt2015"/> After the narrow [[Overtime (sports)#Knock-out contests (including professional competition)|extra-time]] win over Algeria in the [[2014 FIFA World Cup knockout stage#Germany vs Algeria|2014 World Cup round of 16]] Mertesacker, who was visibly exhausted and reportedly already in a foul mood, was taken aside to conduct an impromptu interview with [[ZDF]] reporter Boris Büchler and subsequently questioned about the German defensive line's "cumbersome and vulnerable" performance against their opponents.<ref name="DasReboot"/> He defended his teammates before brusquely retorting, "What do you want from me? [...] I'll lie down in the ice bath for three days and then we'll analyze the game in peace.", leading the interview to be dubbed the "Ice Bath Interview" (''Eistonnen-Interview'') by the German press and amused fans.<ref name="welt2015">{{cite news|title=Was nach Mertesackers Eistonnen-Interview passierte|url=https://www.welt.de/sport/article143277487/Was-nach-Mertesackers-Eistonnen-Interview-passierte.html|work=[[Die Welt]]|date=29 June 2015|first=Lars|last=Gartenschläger|language=de | access-date = 17 December 2018}}</ref> Despite the uncharacteristic outburst, Mertesacker, being a popular figure with fans, was widely praised by viewers and applauded by his teammates for candidness; Büchler himself was also praised for not being afraid to ask "tough questions" and he later clarified that he and Mertesacker were actually on friendly terms.<ref>{{cite news|title=BILD erklärt, wieso Mertesacker so sauer war|url=https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/per-mertesacker/darum-war-er-im-zdf-interview-so-sauer-36619768.bild.html|work=[[Bild]]|date=1 July 2014|language=de | access-date = 17 December 2018}}</ref> Several days later Mertesacker uploaded a picture of himself in an [[ice bath]] on his [[Twitter]] account as a tongue-in-cheek response. German magazine ''[[11 Freunde]]'' created and uploaded a mash-up video of Mertesacker's interview with [[Vanilla Ice]]'s [[Ice Ice Baby]] on its website<ref>{{cite news|title=Per Mertesacker 'raps Ice Ice Baby' in delightful mash-up|url=https://metro.co.uk/2014/07/02/per-mertesacker-raps-ice-ice-baby-in-delightful-mash-up-4783900/|work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]|date=2 July 2014 | access-date = 17 December 2018}}</ref> while German comedian [[Oliver Pocher]] and [[1. FC Köln]] players parodied the interview.<ref>{{cite news|title=Per Mertesacker und die Ice, Ice, Tonne|url=https://www.cosmopolitan.de/per-mertesacker-per-mertesacker-und-die-ice-ice-tonne-62857.html|date=2 July 2014|work=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan (Germany)]]|language=de | access-date = 17 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Köln-Stars veräppeln Mertesacker|url=https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/per-mertesacker/koeln-stars-veraeppeln-nach-interview-36634364.bild.html|work=[[Bild]]|date=1 July 2017|language=de | access-date = 17 December 2018}}</ref> Journalist [[Raphael Honigstein]] and national team manager [[Oliver Bierhoff]] both retrospectively noted that the infamous interview was a turning point for the squad psychologically.<ref name="DasReboot">{{cite book|title=Das Reboot: How German Football Reinvented Itself and Conquered the World|publisher=[[Penguin Random House]]|pages=98–99|first=Raphael|last=Honigstein|author-link=Raphael Honigstein|date=2015|isbn=9780224100144}}</ref>

==Post-retirement==
Mertesacker was announced as the new [[Arsenal F.C. Under-23s and Academy|Arsenal Academy]] manager prior to the 2017–18 season, officially assuming the position in July 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Per Mertesacker to lead Arsenal Academy|url=https://www.arsenal.com/news/mertesacker-lead-arsenal-academy|publisher=[[Arsenal F.C.]]|date=7 July 2017 | access-date = 17 December 2018}}</ref> He launched a coaching programme as part of the club's partnership with [[Save the Children]] in the [[Zaatari refugee camp]] to provide football pitches and training for coaches specifically in the area of detecting [[PTSD]] symptoms.<ref>{{cite news|title=Per Mertesacker: 'It gives you the goose bumps ... on the pitch you see actual joy'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/sep/23/per-mertesacker-arsenal-save-the-children-zaatari-refugee-camp-football-program|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=23 September 2018 | access-date = 19 December 2018}}</ref> After [[Unai Emery]]'s sacking in late November 2019, Mertesacker took the role as interim assistant manager to support interim head coach [[Freddie Ljungberg]] for the meantime.<ref>{{cite web|title=📰 @ArsenalAcademy manager Per Mertesacker will be supporting interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg in the short-term. Per will be in the dugout at Carrow Road tomorrow. #NORARS|url=https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1200740833512833024|publisher=Arsenal|date=30 November 2019 | access-date = 4 December 2019}}</ref>

In broadcasting, Mertesacker first joined [[DAZN|DAZN Germany]] as a pundit in 2018, covering the [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Per Mertesacker joins DAZN as expert pundit|url=https://media.dazn.com/en/press-releases/2018/05/per-mertesacker-joins-dazn-expert-pundit/|publisher=[[DAZN]]|date=29 May 2018 | access-date = 17 December 2018}}</ref> He left DAZN in 2020 to join public broadcaster [[ZDF]] where he replaced the outgoing [[Oliver Kahn]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Niemeier |first=Timo |date=2020-08-31 |title=Mertesacker wird ZDF-Experte, gute CL-Quoten für Sport1 |url=https://www.dwdl.de/sportsupdate/79166/mertesacker_wird_zdfexperte_gute_clquoten_fuer_sport1/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=DWDL.de |language=de}}</ref> Mertesacker appears as a pundit on their [[UEFA European Championship|Euros]], [[DFB-Pokal]], [[Germany national football team|Germany national team]] and Champions League final coverage, usually alongside former Germany teammate [[Christoph Kramer]].

==Style of play==
At {{height|m=1.98}}, Mertesacker is commanding in the air but he is also sound in defending on the ground.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1502650.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623053949/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1502650.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 June 2012|title=Arsenal seal Mertesacker deal |publisher=FIFA |date=31 August 2011 |access-date=21 October 2011}}</ref> He often uses his strength to shrug opponents off the ball and his standing tackling ability to win balls.<ref name="telegraph1">{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/8731825/Arsenals-new-centre-back-Per-Mertesacker-comes-to-the-aid-of-his-boyhood-club-in-their-hour-of-need.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/8731825/Arsenals-new-centre-back-Per-Mertesacker-comes-to-the-aid-of-his-boyhood-club-in-their-hour-of-need.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Arsenal's new centre-back Per Mertesacker comes to the aid of his boyhood club in their hour of need |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=30 August 2011 | access-date=21 October 2011 | first = Duncan | last = White}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Despite being criticised by pundits for his lack of pace,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15408547.stm |title = I've had to adapt to Premier League – Per Mertesacker |website=BBC Sport |date=21 October 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2011/09/07/2654130/arsenal-fans-should-be-worried-following-per-mertesackers-horror- |title=Arsenal fans should be worried following Per Mertesacker's horror show for Germany against Poland |publisher=Goal.com |date=7 September 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> he compensates with his excellent positional play and astute reading of the game.<ref name="independent1">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/the-tall-german-with-a-big-task-bring-order-to-gunners-defence-2346400.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/the-tall-german-with-a-big-task-bring-order-to-gunners-defence-2346400.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=The tall German with a big task: bring order to Gunners' defence |work=The Independent |date=31 August 2011 |access-date=21 October 2011 | first = Robin | last = Scott-Elliot}}</ref> As a result, he is able to make clean interceptions and clearances, hence his reputation as a defender who rarely concedes reckless fouls or gets booked.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>

Mertesacker possesses solid technique,<ref name="Ball-Playing Ability">{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2570543-ranking-arsenals-defenders-on-their-ball-playing-ability#slide5 |title=Ranking Arsenal's Defenders on Their Ball-Playing Ability |publisher=bleacherreport.com |last1=McNicholas |first1=James |date=22 September 2015 |access-date=22 February 2019 }}</ref> is a good defensive organizer,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/117209.html |title=Mertesacker has sorted defence out – Wenger |publisher=ESPN |access-date=21 October 2011 | date=21 October 2011}}</ref> and a neat distributor of the ball.<ref name="Ball-Playing Ability"/> He averaged 46.3 passes per game in 2010–11 season, the third highest in the Werder Bremen squad, and the second-highest pass success rate, at 82%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whoscored.com/Teams/42/Archive?stageId=4448 |title=Werder Bremen |publisher=Whoscored.com |access-date=22 October 2011}}</ref> In the 2012–13 season with Arsenal, he averaged 50.1 passes per game with a 91.5% success rate, fourth-highest in the league.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whoscored.com/Regions/252/Tournaments/2/Seasons/3389/Stages/6531/PlayerStatistics/England-Premier-League-2012-2013 | title = Premier League Player Statistics | access-date = 20 November 2013 | publisher = whoscored.com}}</ref> Often, Mertesacker is paired with a more mobile and quicker defender who can track-back in a counterattack situation, such as [[Mats Hummels]] and [[Arne Friedrich]] for Germany, [[Naldo (footballer, born 1982)|Naldo]] at Bremen, or [[Laurent Koscielny]] at Arsenal.

==Personal life==
Mertesacker met his future wife [[Germany women's national handball team|German]] international [[Team handball|handball]]er [[Ulrike Stange]] in 2008 while both were recovering from injury at a rehab clinic in [[Donaustauf]] and began a relationship not long after.<ref name="DerSpiegel.Mar2018"/> They married in June 2013<ref>{{cite news|title=Geheimsache Hochzeitsfoto|url=http://www.haz.de/Nachrichten/Der-Norden/Uebersicht/Per-Mertesacker-heiratet-auf-Schloss-Marienburg|work=[[Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung]]|date=23 June 2013|language=de | access-date = 20 November 2013}}</ref> and have two sons (born April 2011 and May 2014).<ref name="DerSpiegel.Mar2018">{{cite web|title=Dark Side of the Dream — Why Arsenal Star Per Mertesacker Is Happy to Leave Football|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/interview-with-mertesacker-about-exit-from-arsenal-football-a-1198260.html|work=[[Der Spiegel]]|date=16 March 2018|first=Antje|last=Windmann | access-date = 19 December 2018}}</ref> Mertesacker is a [[Protestantism|Protestant]] Christian.<ref>{{cite web|title=Was den Mitgliedern der deutschen Nationalmannschaft der Glaube an Gott bedeutet|url=http://www.kirche-mv.de/Was-den-Mitgliedern-der-deutschen-Nationalmannscha.3199.0.html|publisher=[[Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mecklenburg]]|date=15 June 2014|language=de}}</ref>

In an interview with German newspaper ''[[Der Spiegel]]'' published in March 2018, Mertesacker admitted to suffering from anxiety attacks throughout his career due to the "inhumane pressure" to perform, but had continued on due to his love for the sport and the desire to win silverware, and expressed his relief that he would no longer have to experience it anymore as he was retiring.<ref name="DerSpiegel.Mar2018"/> The well-publicised interview drew criticism from some current and former players but he was generally praised by many others, including professional sports psychologists and his former teammates,<ref name="PressReader.HAZ"/><ref name="Seuddeutsche.Mar2018"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Der Traumverteidiger|url=https://www.zeit.de/zeit-magazin/2018/23/mats-hummels-fc-bayern-muenchen-fussball-wm|work=[[Die Zeit]]|date=31 March 2018|language= de | access-date = 25 December 2018}}</ref> for his candidness and courage in broaching a sensitive topic and addressing the perception that footballers were "perfect".<ref>{{cite news|title=Effenberg über Leistungsdruck: "Matthäus versteht das gar nicht"|url=https://www.t-online.de/sport/fussball/bundesliga/id_83421114/effenberg-ueber-leistungsdruck-matthaeus-versteht-das-gar-nicht-.html|publisher=[[T-Online]]|date=20 March 2018|language=de| access-date = 20 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Lienen schlägt Bogen von Mertesacker zu Bruce Springsteen|url=https://www.welt.de/sport/fussball/article174649045/FC-St-Pauli-Lienens-Bogen-von-Mertesacker-zu-Bruce-Springsteen.html|work=[[Die Welt]]|date=17 March 2018|language=de | access-date = 20 December 2018}}</ref> It reignited debate within Germany about the psychological welfare and well-being of professional footballers and elite athletes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kommentar: Mertesacker und der Mythos der VERMEINTLICH perfekten Fußballwelt|url=http://www.sportbuzzer.de/artikel/kommentar-mertesacker-und-der-mythos-der-vermeintlich-perfekten-fussballwelt/|publisher=sportbuzzer.de|first=André|last=Batistic|date=11 March 2018|language=de | access-date = 20 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Brauchen Fußballer den Psychologen?|url=http://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball/bundesliga-vereine-bieten-sportpsychologische-beratung-an-a-1197660.html|work=[[Der Spiegel]]|date=12 March 2018|first= Peter|last=Ahrens|language=de | access-date = 20 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="PressReader.HAZ">{{cite news|title=Der Druck ist unmenschlich|url=https://www.pressreader.com/germany/hannoversche-allgemeine/20180314/282003262946798|first=Jonas|last=Szemkus|via=[[PressReader]] |work=[[Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung]]|date=14 March 2018|language=de | access-date = 20 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="Seuddeutsche.Mar2018">{{cite news|title=Mertesacker entfacht eine Debatte neu|url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/sport/druck-im-fussball-mertesacker-entfacht-eine-debatte-neu-1.3902858|work=[[Süddeutsche Zeitung]]|date=12 March 2018|language=de|first=Johannes|last=Aumüller | access-date = 25 December 2018}}</ref>

==Outside football==
In November 2006, Mertesacker established the "Per Mertesacker Foundation", initially to support the family of his former Hannover and Germany late teammate [[Robert Enke]], who had just lost his young daughter several months prior. After Enke's suicide it began focusing on providing support for those suffering from depression and has since expanded to include disadvantaged and marginalized children, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, in his native Hanover. Since 2007, the foundation has organised yearly charity football matches which have featured Mertesacker's national and club teammates [[Philipp Lahm]], [[Lukas Podolski]] and [[Tomáš Rosický]], as well as comedian Oliver Pocher, [[Fury in the Slaughterhouse]] member Rainer Schumann and German ice hockey legend [[Uwe Krupp]]. T-shirts and sweatshirts bearing the words "Big Fucking German" – the Arsenal fans' chant for him and a play on the [[Roald Dahl]] novel ''[[The BFG]]''<ref>{{cite news|title='BFG' Mertesacker on Arsenal fans support|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/26685046|website=BBC Sport|date=22 March 2014 | access-date = 19 December 2018}}</ref> – are among items sold to raise money for the foundation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.per-mertesacker-stiftung.de/de/das-kult-shirt-big-f-german-fur-den-guten-zweck-ab-sofort-erhaltlich/ |title=Das Kult-Shirt "BIG F****** GERMAN" für den guten Zweck ab sofort erhältlich |language=de |trans-title=Cult "Big F****** German" shirt now available in a good cause |publisher=Per Mertesacker Foundation |access-date=4 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904202845/http://www.per-mertesacker-stiftung.de/de/das-kult-shirt-big-f-german-fur-den-guten-zweck-ab-sofort-erhaltlich/ |archive-date=4 September 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Mertesacker co-owns the Hanover-based [[real estate]] agency CP Immobilien [[Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung|GmbH]] with his Werder Bremen and national teammate [[Clemens Fritz]]. The duo started the business venture in 2012 while planning for their retirement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Damit haben wir die Kontrolle|url=https://www.immobilien-zeitung.de/126803/damit-haben-kontrolle|work=[[Immobilien Zeitung]]|date=5 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Fritz & Merte verkaufen Häuser|url=https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/werder-bremen/fritz-und-mertesacker-verkaufen-haeuser-34041242.bild.html|work=[[Bild]]|date=1 January 2014|language=de}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref>{{cite web|title=Per Mertesacker » Club matches|date=12 February 2019 |url=http://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/per-mertesacker/2/|publisher=Worldfootball}}</ref><ref name="Soccerway">{{cite web | url = https://int.soccerway.com/players/per-mertesacker/16/ | title = P. Mertesacker | publisher = Soccerway | access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National Cup{{efn|Includes [[DFB-Pokal]], [[FA Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|League Cup{{efn|Includes [[DFL-Ligapokal]], [[EFL Cup|Football League/EFL Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|Europe
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Hannover 96]]
|[[2003–04 Bundesliga|2003–04]]
|[[Bundesliga]]
|13||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||14||0
|-
|[[2004–05 Bundesliga|2004–05]]
|Bundesliga
|31||2||4||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||35||3
|-
|[[2005–06 Bundesliga|2005–06]]
|Bundesliga
|30||5||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||33||5
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!74||7||8||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||82||8
|-
|rowspan="7"|[[SV Werder Bremen|Werder Bremen]]
|[[2006–07 SV Werder Bremen season|2006–07]]
|Bundesliga
|25||2||0||0||0||0||10{{efn|Appearances in [[UEFA Cup]]}}||2||colspan="2"|—||35||4
|-
|[[2007–08 Bundesliga|2007–08]]
|Bundesliga
|32||1||3||0||1||0||11{{efn|Seven appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]], four appearances in UEFA Cup}}||0||colspan="2"|—||47||1
|-
|[[2008–09 SV Werder Bremen season|2008–09]]
|Bundesliga
|23||2||3||1||colspan="2"|—||13{{efn|Six appearances and one goal in UEFA Champions League, 
seven appearances in UEFA Cup}} ||1||colspan="2"|—||39||4
|-
|[[2009–10 SV Werder Bremen season|2009–10]]
|Bundesliga
|33||5||6||0||colspan="2"|—||12{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in [[UEFA Europa League]]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||51||5
|-
|[[2010–11 SV Werder Bremen season|2010–11]]
|Bundesliga
|30||2||2||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||39||2
|-
|[[2011–12 SV Werder Bremen season|2011–12]]
|Bundesliga
|4||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||4||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!147||12||14||1||1||0||53||3||colspan="2"|—||215||16
|-
|rowspan="8"|[[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]
|[[2011–12 Arsenal F.C. season|2011–12]]
|[[Premier League]]
|21||0||1||0||0||0||5{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||27||0
|-
|[[2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season|2012–13]]
|Premier League
|34||3||3||0||1||0||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||44||3
|-
|[[2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season|2013–14]]
|Premier League
|35||2||6||1||1||0||10{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||52||3
|-
|[[2014–15 Arsenal F.C. season|2014–15]]
|Premier League
|35||0||4||2||0||0||9{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||0||0||48||2
|-
|[[2015–16 Arsenal F.C. season|2015–16]]
|Premier League
|24||0||3||0||2||0||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||1{{efn|name=FACS|Appearance in [[FA Community Shield]]}}||0||36||0
|-
|[[2016–17 Arsenal F.C. season|2016–17]]
|Premier League
|1||0||1||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2||0
|-
|[[2017–18 Arsenal F.C. season|2017–18]]
|Premier League
|6||1||1||1||1||0||3{{efn|name=UEL}}||0||1{{efn|name=FACS}}||0||12||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!156||6||19||4||5||0||39||0||2||0||221||10
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!377!!25!!41!!6!!6!!0!!92!!3!!2!!0!!518!!34
|}

{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

===International===
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{NFT player|8655|name=Mertesacker, Per|accessdate=28 February 2020}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="11"|[[Germany national football team|Germany]]
|2004||4||0
|-
|2005||14||1
|-
|2006||11||0
|-
|2007||10||0
|-
|2008||13||0
|-
|2009||7||0
|-
|2010||14||0
|-
|2011||6||0
|-
|2012||6||1
|-
|2013||10||2
|-
|2014||9||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!104!!4
|}

:''Germany score listed first, score column indicates score after each Mertesacker goal.''{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Per Mertesacker
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
| align="center"|1 || 15 June 2005 || [[Commerzbank-Arena]], Frankfurt, Germany || {{fb|AUS}} || align="center"|2–1 || align="center"|4–3 || [[2005 FIFA Confederations Cup]]
|-
| align="center"|2 || 16 October 2012 || [[Olympic Stadium (Berlin)|Olympic Stadium]], Berlin, Germany || {{fb|SWE}} || align="center"|3–0 || align="center"|4–4 || [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
| align="center"|3 || 10 September 2013 || [[Tórsvøllur]], Tórshavn, Faroe Islands || {{fb|FRO}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|3–0 || 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
| align="center"|4 || 19 November 2013 || [[Wembley Stadium]], London, England || {{fb|ENG}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–0 || [[Exhibition game#Association football|Friendly]]
|}

==Honours==
'''Werder Bremen'''
*[[DFB-Pokal]]: [[2008–09 DFB-Pokal|2008–09]], runner-up: [[2009–10 DFB-Pokal|2009–10]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kicker.de/bremen-gegen-bayern-2010-dfb-pokal-1000000/aufstellung |title=DFB-Pokal 2009/10, Finale in Berlin: Werder Bremen 0:4 Bayern München: Takt. aufstellung |trans-title=DFB-Pokal 2009/10, Final in Berlin: Werder Bremen 0:4 Bayern Munich: Tactical lineup |website=kicker |publisher=Olympia-Verlag |access-date=12 September 2020 |language=de}}</ref>
*[[2009–10 DFB-Pokal|UEFA Cup]] runner-up: [[2008–09 UEFA Cup|2008–09]]
'''Arsenal'''
*[[FA Cup]]: [[2013–14 FA Cup|2013–14]],<ref name=2014FACupFinal/> [[2014–15 FA Cup|2014–15]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32856754 |title=Arsenal 4–0 Aston Villa |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=30 May 2015 |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> [[2016–17 FA Cup|2016–17]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39984089 |title=Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea |first=Phil |last=McNulty |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 May 2017 |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref>
<!-- DO NOT ADD 2014 COMMUNITY SHIELD AS HE WAS ON VACATION AFTER WORLD CUP AND NOT EVEN IN THE SQUAD -->
*[[FA Community Shield]]: [[2015 FA Community Shield|2015]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33667216 |title=Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea |first=Andy |last=Cryer |website=BBC Sport |date=2 August 2015 |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> [[2017 FA Community Shield|2017]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40766983 |title=Arsenal 1–1 Chelsea |first=Tom |last=Rostance |website=BBC Sport |date=6 August 2017 |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref>
*[[EFL Cup]] runner-up: [[2017–18 EFL Cup|2017–18]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43101681 |title=Arsenal 0–3 Manchester City |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=25 February 2018 |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref>

'''Germany'''
*[[FIFA World Cup]]: [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255959/match=300186501/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140609005350/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255959/match=300186501/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 June 2014 |title=Germany 1–0 Argentina |publisher=FIFA |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> third place: [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006]], [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010]]
* [[UEFA European Championship]]: runner up ([[UEFA Euro 2008|2008]])

'''Individual'''
*''[[Kicker (sports magazine)|kicker]]'' [[Bundesliga]] Team of the Season: [[2007–08 Bundesliga|2007–08]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/bl50/200708/startseite.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018212401/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/bl50/200708/startseite.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 October 2012|title=Bundesliga Historie 2007/08|language=de|publisher=kicker}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{NoteFoot}}

==See also==
*[[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps|List of footballers with 100 or more caps]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Official website|http://www.permertesacker.de/}} {{in lang|de}}
*{{Fussballdaten|mertesackerper}}
*{{Soccerbase}}
*{{DFB|7500<!-- per-mertesacker -->}}

{{2007–08 kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Germany squads
| bg = white
| fg = black
| bordercolor = black
| list1 = 
{{Germany squad 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{Germany squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Germany squad UEFA Euro 2008}}
{{Germany squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Germany squad UEFA Euro 2012}}
{{Germany squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mertesacker, Per}}
[[Category:1984 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Hanover]]
[[Category:German men's footballers]]
[[Category:Germany men's youth international footballers]]
[[Category:Germany men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:Germany men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football defenders]]
[[Category:Hannover 96 players]]
[[Category:Hannover 96 II players]]
[[Category:SV Werder Bremen players]]
[[Category:Arsenal F.C. players]]
[[Category:Bundesliga players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:2005 FIFA Confederations Cup players]]
[[Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2008 players]]
[[Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2012 players]]
[[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:FIFA World Cup–winning players]]
[[Category:FIFA Men's Century Club]]
[[Category:Arsenal F.C. non-playing staff]]
[[Category:German expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:German expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:German Protestants]]
[[Category:21st-century German sportsmen]]