Arsenal has announced Per Mertesacker is to retire at the end of the season and take charge of the club’s academy.

Mertesacker missed the majority of last season with a serious knee injury, making only two appearances.

Having returned to full fitness, the 32-year-old will remain part of Arsene Wenger’s squad for 2017/18 and see out the final year of his playing contract before starting his new role.

The World Cup-winning German defender has made 210 appearances for Arsenal since arriving from Werder Bremen in 2011.

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