Per Mertesacker is a German former professional footballer who played as a central defender. He was born on September 29, 1984, in Hanover, West Germany. He began his professional career with Hannover 96 before moving to Werder Bremen in 2006. In 2011, he joined Arsenal, where he made over 200 appearances and won the FA Cup in the 2013–14, 2014–15, and 2016–17 seasons. At international level, Mertesacker represented Germany, earning... see more