Per Mertesacker says he retired from international football to concentrate on winning more trophies with Arsenal.

Mertesacker was a key figure in Germany’s World Cup squad over the summer and he stepped down after lifting football’s most prestigious prize.

Now, after also winning the FA Cup in May, the 30-year-old is more determined than ever to achieve success with the Gunners.

"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" Per Mertesacker

“I reflected and last season was very tough,” Mertesacker told Arsenal Player. “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.”