Biography
Who is Per Mertesacker?
Early career at Hannover 96
Per Mertesacker started his senior career at the Bundesliga club Hannover 96. He was promoted from the youth ranks and made his senior league debut in November 2003. German tabloids gave him the nickname the Defence Pole. Per gained a reputation for a strong disciplinary record by going 31 league games without being booked. He played 74 league matches for the club before moving on.
Playing for Werder Bremen and Arsenal
He transferred to Werder Bremen for a fee of 5 million euros. While at the club, he won the 2009 DFB-Pokal and was a runner-up in the 2009 UEFA Cup. Per Mertesacker later moved to the Premier League club Arsenal for 8 million pounds. He became the first-choice centre back and formed a defensive partnership with Laurent Koscielny. He became the club captain in 2016. He won the FA Cup in 2014 and 2017. Injuries affected the latter stages of his career before he retired in 2018.
International career with Germany
Per played for the Germany national under-20 and under-21 teams. He made his senior debut in 2004 in a match against Iran. He was the first-choice centre back for ten years. He played in the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships. He also competed in the 2006, 2010, and 2014 FIFA World Cups. Per Mertesacker won the 2014 World Cup before retiring from international football. He played at the 2006 World Cup when he was 21.
Personal life and coaching
Per Mertesacker is 200 centimeters tall. He is married to Ulrike Stange and his father is Stefan Mertesacker. He received the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt award. He started the Per Mertesacker Stiftung. This is a charitable foundation that helps support the poor and amateur sportsmen. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching. He now takes charge of the Arsenal Academy.
Birthday and age
Per Mertesacker was born on September 29, 1984, which makes Per 42 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Per shares the date with 32 other famous people.
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