Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has paid “special tribute” to Per Mertesacker after his performance in the FA Cup final win over Chelsea.
The 32-year-old made his first start of the season at Wembley and he put in a stellar display, captaining his side to FA Cup glory for the third time in four terms, as they beat the Blues 2-1.
In a campaign ravaged by a knee injury, Mertesacker was only able to make one substitute appearance against Everton before being called upon to start in his club’s biggest game of the season.
Wenger was keen to heap praise on the German centre-back for his efforts after the match, he told the London Evening Standard: “He is a fantastic example for any young professional football player.
“What he did today is just a consequence of an unbelievable attitude every day even if he was not selected until the Everton game.
“He played his first game tonight and it was just the reward. When he was not selected he worked even harder that’s why I pay a special tribute to him.”
Mertesacker lifted the trophy alongside vice-captain Laurent Koscielny, who missed the game through suspension having been sent off in the club’s final game of the Premier League season.
The experienced German centre-back joined Arsenal back in August 2011 from Werder Bremen for £9.6million and he has since become a firm fan favourite for his wholesome displays.
Despite only appearing in a Gunners shirt twice over the course of the 2016/17 season, he has made more than 200 appearances in all competitions for the club in his six seasons with the North Londoners.
He has also been capped by Germany on 104 occasions, and was part of the World Cup winning side of 2014.