Mikel Arteta Reflects on Per Mertesacker’s Departure as Academy Director

Mertesacker to Leave by Season’s End

Recent announcements reveal that Per Mertesacker will conclude his tenure as academy director at the end of the current season.

Arteta Comments Ahead of Crucial Match

As Arsenal prepares for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal against Chelsea, manager Mikel Arteta shared his thoughts on his longtime colleague.

Arteta expressed, “Having spent 15 years at the club together, our bond as teammates and captains has been invaluable. We have embarked on an extraordinary journey in our respective roles—he as the academy director and I as the manager, which I have thoroughly enjoyed.”

He added, “Per exemplifies the values of this club, representing its ambition and essence superbly. I am immensely grateful for our time together, and while he has decided to move on, I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. I have no doubt he will achieve great things.”