The Arsenal defender talks about his upcoming role as the clubīs academy manager, what he told Martin Keown after the FA Cup final - and his Guinea pig SpikeConversation flows in Per Mertesackerīs company. Gregarious, candid and good fun, the German has talked for more than an hour, discussing everything from Brexit and Angela Merkel to Martin Keown and Phil Collins. He has explained why he prefers a handshake rather than a selfie on the tube, the thinking behind singing Drake lyrics in the Arsenal dressing room and, with one eye on his future role as the clubīs academy manager, revealed how he wants to help the youngsters that are rejected, not just those that make it. Yet the only place to start is with Spike, his pet guinea pig.For those yet to see the footage that emerged on social media last week, it is worth finding a few minutes to watch Mertesacker and Wenger firing questions at one another across a table. Zorro, Anna Kournikova and Bob Marley all get a mention, but the moment of comedy comes when the Arsenal manager asks his 6ft 6in centre-half to identify his favourite pet animal. `Guinea pig,` replies Mertesacker. Wengerīs reaction is priceless. `What?` says the Arsenal manager, narrowing his eyes and looking flabbergasted. Almost apologetically, Mertesacker repeats his answer, even though Wenger had clearly heard the first time. Continue reading...
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