Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker insists his work in training over the past year has paid off after making his first appearance of the season against Everton.
The 32-year-old, who is actually the club captain at the Emirates Stadium, sustained a serious knee injury during pre-season last summer and upon his return to fitness saw a route back into the starting XI blocked by the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi.
He made the bench for only the sixth time across all competitions this campaign for the visit of the Toffees on the Premier League’s final day yesterday and spoke about his emotions after replacing Gabriel Paulista for the final 37 minutes.
“It’s a bit sad but I never look back, always look forward [because there are] quick changes in this league,” he told the club’s official website.
“Today we had a couple of injuries before the game that made me in the squad.
“Then we unfortunately had a red card and another injury, which gave me a chance to play. But I felt quite good, honestly.
“What I did in training over the last year paid off today. Being on the pitch with the boys is what I used to do for 15 years. I’m still learning but I’m used to it. Take nothing for granted but it was special today.
“It’s a nice atmosphere after a win and we appreciate the fans and vice-versa. It’s a nice atmosphere but we didn’t get what we wanted, so there’s a little bit of disappointment. But heading to the FA Cup final is something we’re buzzed about.”
With Koscielny suspended, coupled with doubts over the availability over Gabriel and Mustafi – who missed the game against his former club with the flu – Mertesacker could be in line to make his second appearance of the campaign in Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea.
The former Germany international was apart of the back-to-back cup winning sides in the 2013/2014 as well as the 2014/2015 campaign and even got on the scoresheet in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa in the most recent final two years ago.
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