Per Mertesacker lands major new job six months on from quitting as Arsenal’s academy chief

PER MERTESACKER has landed a job with the German FA after leaving Arsenal. The former defender was the Gunners’ academy manager but left the role at the end of last season. Per Mertesacker has landed a role with the German FA after leaving Arsenal Credit: Getty The move coincides with Jurgen Klopp taking over the top job Credit: Getty Mertesacker had held the position for eight years, taking it in 2018 after finishing a playing career that included over 200 games for Arsenal. The 41-year-old left the club as he was eager for a new challenge and he has now secured a job with the German FA. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! Mertesacker will become their managing director of sport from January 1 next year, succeeding Andreas Rettig. The former centre-back, who won the World Cup with Germany as a player in 2014, will be responsible for the national teams and their academy. His arrival coincides with that of Jurgen Klopp, who was announced as the country’s new head coach on Friday. The German FA are aware of the need for change after failing to reach the last 16 in any of the past three World Cups. Mertesacker said: “I am very much looking forward to this new task and the responsibility that comes with it. “My connection to the DFB never broke off, even after the end of my national team career. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS “That’s why it’s something special for me to return in this role. German football has enormous potential. “With humility, the will to work hard, and the necessary patience, we want to foster the talents and personalities who make the difference. “Together, we want to create an environment in which players can take on responsibility, grow through challenges, and develop their full potential – from the grassroots level all the way to the national teams. “It is an honour for me to be able to help shape and further develop the DFB on this path.” Comment now