Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker says he enjoys life in London.
The Germany international admits he's surprised by how he's been welcomed by fans.
"As a German coming to London, I was impressed by the respect I received at Arsenal straight away," Mertesacker told the People.
"I am an open-minded and tolerant guy, I enjoy the discipline and structure of life in Germany and I have to say it is different here. But I like it!"
One major difference between life as a footballer in England and Germany is the absence of a winter break - and he admits he found it hard to adapt.
He added: "The winter break makes you relax, you can switch off. The first year I was here, I almost collapsed in January. It does make you tired."
