Per Mertesacker is calling time on his international career. "I’m proud of my ten years with Germany, five major tournaments, 104 caps and winning the World Cup in Brazil," he said. "That was a wonderful finale, so now is the right time for me to step down from the national team and make room for the next generation. All in all, I’m very grateful for this time and look forward to dedicating all my energies to my club and my family in future."
The Arsenal centre-back scored four times in 104 international appearances, having made his debut in a 2-0 win over Iran on 9 October 2004. Mertesacker is ending his national team career on a high after this summer’s World Cup triumph, after reaching the landmark of 100 caps in the group match against Ghana. He played in six of Germany’s seven matches in Brazil, the last of which was the Final on 13 July 2014.
Impressions of Per Mertesacker
DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach: Per Mertesacker is the epitome of a team player and a role model both on and off the pitch. He has always worked for the good of the team and considered his personal ambitions to be of secondary importance. I will never forget his conduct at EURO 2012, when he tirelessly spurred on and supported his team-mates from the bench. The fact that he has given everything for his country makes me all the more delighted that he has now been rewarded with a World Cup winners medal. I called him on Friday and invited him to our upcoming friendly against Argentina in Düsseldorf, where we will give him, Philipp Lahm and Miro Klose the send-off they deserve.
National team coach Joachim Löw: Per is reliability personified. I have always been able to depend on him during his ten years in the national team. He has also continued to develop impressively in recent years, and in Brazil he was one of our most important leaders, carrying the team and providing direction. Per is ready in every single match and training session, and that’s why I have always thoroughly enjoyed working with him; he is always open to new ideas and keen to learn something new despite his immense experience. We will miss Per’s know-how, match intelligence, positional play and above all his personality and attitude.
Helmut Sandrock, DFB General Secretary: Per Mertesacker is an extremely popular figure not only within the national team but across the DFB. I consider him to be a very likable, thoughtful and constantly fair and loyal colleague. It’s always a pleasure to see him again because he is so open-minded and positive – he’s a fantastic person. I’m sure the fans in Düsseldorf will celebrate with him in style one final time.
Oliver Bierhoff, national team manager: Per was just as vital a pillar for the national team in Brazil as he was at the World Cup in South Africa. He was often a tower of strength in the truest sense of the phrase, not only because of his height but most of all for his sporting and personal qualities. All that remains is to thank him for his commitment.
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Per Mertesacker is calling time on his international career. "I’m proud of my ten years with Germany, five major tournaments, 104 caps and winning the World Cup in Brazil," he said. "That was a wonderful finale, so now is the right time for me to step down from the national team and make room for the next generation. All in all, I’m very grateful for this time and look forward to dedicating all my energies to my club and my family in future."
The Arsenal centre-back scored four times in 104 international appearances, having made his debut in a 2-0 win over Iran on 9 October 2004. Mertesacker is ending his national team career on a high after this summer’s World Cup triumph, after reaching the landmark of 100 caps in the group match against Ghana. He played in six of Germany’s seven matches in Brazil, the last of which was the Final on 13 July 2014.
Impressions of Per Mertesacker
DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach: Per Mertesacker is the epitome of a team player and a role model both on and off the pitch. He has always worked for the good of the team and considered his personal ambitions to be of secondary importance. I will never forget his conduct at EURO 2012, when he tirelessly spurred on and supported his team-mates from the bench. The fact that he has given everything for his country makes me all the more delighted that he has now been rewarded with a World Cup winners medal. I called him on Friday and invited him to our upcoming friendly against Argentina in Düsseldorf, where we will give him, Philipp Lahm and Miro Klose the send-off they deserve.
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National team coach Joachim Löw: Per is reliability personified. I have always been able to depend on him during his ten years in the national team. He has also continued to develop impressively in recent years, and in Brazil he was one of our most important leaders, carrying the team and providing direction. Per is ready in every single match and training session, and that’s why I have always thoroughly enjoyed working with him; he is always open to new ideas and keen to learn something new despite his immense experience. We will miss Per’s know-how, match intelligence, positional play and above all his personality and attitude.
Helmut Sandrock, DFB General Secretary: Per Mertesacker is an extremely popular figure not only within the national team but across the DFB. I consider him to be a very likable, thoughtful and constantly fair and loyal colleague. It’s always a pleasure to see him again because he is so open-minded and positive – he’s a fantastic person. I’m sure the fans in Düsseldorf will celebrate with him in style one final time.
Oliver Bierhoff, national team manager: Per was just as vital a pillar for the national team in Brazil as he was at the World Cup in South Africa. He was often a tower of strength in the truest sense of the phrase, not only because of his height but most of all for his sporting and personal qualities. All that remains is to thank him for his commitment.
