Arsenal academy director Per Mertesacker has been recruited to join an advisory board for the German national team organised by general manager Oliver Bierhoff.

Mertesacker, who won 104 caps for Germany, retired from football this season and has moved into a new role at London Colney.

Bierhoff has organised the committee in light of Germany's shock exit at the group stage and subsequent losses to the Netherlands and France in the Nations League.

"Per will be part of the new expert advisory board," Bierhoff told Bild. "Per is very much looking forward to the future task, has many interesting views and expresses his opinion."

The role is not expected to impact Mertesacker's role at Arsenal. He will be joined on the board by former Germany head coach Berti Vogts and ex-Adidas CEO Herbet Hainer