Arsenal’s new signing Per Mertesacker hopes that his transition to the Premier league will be smooth. He hopes that he will be able to adapt quickly. The English game is known for its fast pace and physical nature. It is often the case that players that move to the Premier League struggle with the high demands of English football.

Mertesacker has suggested that he is relishing the opportunity to play in the best league in the world. He hopes that his experience, both at an international level and also for his club, will put him in good stead for the challenges that lie ahead.

Here’s what he had to say:

“It is a little bit easier if you have played a World Cup for Germany and I hope I can use my experiences in my career.

“We met England and that is a great experience I have. But I also have to improve myself and that should be my first thought.

“It’s exciting to be here but I have a lot of experience in football so that is OK for me. I am very happy and I am very glad to be here.

“Arsenal is one of the top teams in Europe and I have been looking out for Arsenal since I got my first jersey when I was ten or 12. Arsenal has always been special for me.”

His comments are encouraging. What really impresses me is that he still thinks he can improve. At 26, some footballers may think that they have it all, and that they are the best they can be. Mertesacker is still looking to improve his game, and this is good to hear. The German is already a quality centre back, and will undoubtedly form a strong partnership with Vermaelen (when he returns from injury). If he can improve his game, he will probably become one of the best centre backs in the world.

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