Per Mertesacker says he's felt an affinity with Arsenal since he was a boy growing up in Germany.
The big defender is playing some of the best football of his career this season.
He recalled to the Telegraph about a shopping visit his family made to London as a ten year-old.
"I grabbed the Arsenal shirt and my brother grabbed the Man United shirt. I liked Tony Adams. But it was hard for me to choose one role model.
"It made me feel good just "being Arsenal". I've always wanted to be in touch with Arsenal, have a little relationship between us.
"It was a big thing when Arsenal first called me. I said to myself, 'I have to go. I have the shirt'.
"Arsenal have a history of doing great things for the community. Arsenal have never forgotten their roots. I stand for that as well."
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