Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker knows his clash with teammate Robin van Persie could be decisive in the Euros.

Mertesacker is eagerly anticipating Germany's clash against Holland on June 13, but admits it will be a novel experience to see Van Persie as an opponent rather than a team-mate.

"We are looking forward to seeing each other at the tournament," he said. "He is our skipper [at Arsenal] and I always try to support him, but then everything changes.

"It is very, very strange to be opponents but as a footballer you have to cope with these situations and I look forward to seeing him."