Per Mertesacker: I retired from international duty with Germany to win more trophies with Arsenal

Defender called it a day after the World Cup

Per Mertesacker applauds the Arsenal support (Getty Images)

Per Mertesacker has said that he retired from international football to win more trophies with Arsenal.

The Gunners vice-captain called it a day on his time with Germany following their recent World Cup triumph, after he won 104 caps at international level.

Shortly before that success in Brazil, Mertesacker had won the FA Cup with the Gunners, the club's first trophy in nine years and the 30-year-old says he is eager to win more honours with north London club.

"I reflected and last season was very tough," Mertesacker told arsenal.com. "This season won’t be less intense so I needed a chance to rest and refuel. I want to push forward with the club now to show I can still improve.

"I realised over the last few years that the club really needs me and that was a big motivation to win something with them and then with Germany. Now I’m really focused to do even more with Arsenal.

"There’s even more respect and support here than I expected when I signed. This club has topped everything and I’m really proud to be part of it, especially after learning more about the fans and its history.

"As vice-captain I feel more responsibility for my work here and I want to achieve more in my next three years with Arsenal. One chapter has closed and the other one has opened even more, that’s how it feels for me."