Arsenal academy chief Per Mertesacker has no regrets retiring at the end of last season.

Mertesacker managed just 12 appearances in all competitions in his final campaign and the former centre-half has spoken out about how 'great' it felt to end his playing career.

“Especially in my last year, I felt something and felt the pressure and it was very awkward sometimes," the 33-year-old told the BBC.

“I was happy about not necessarily playing, just training was enough for me."

Mertesacker won 104 caps for Germany and made 221 appearances for Arsenal in his seven seasons at the club.