- The Germany international says he is going through a situation he has never had to face until now, but has stressed he will continue to fight to get back into the team
Per Mertesacker has expressed his disappointment at losing his starting berth at Arsenal, but the centre-back vows to keep fighting and remain professional.
The 31-year-old last featured in the 2-1 FA Cup loss at the hands of Watford on March 13 with Gabriel and Laurent Koscielny favoured by manager Arsene Wenger since.
Mertesacker has taken a watching brief from the substitutes bench for Arsenal's past three matches, but while the Germany international says he's never been in such a situation before, he insists he's doing everything in his power to get back into the Gunners' team.
"I have to admit that this is something new to me. I have been around for quite a while and this has not happened to me before. I am fully match fit, but I am not playing as much as before," Mertesacker told Sport1.
"But I will not give up. I might get another chance. Things can change very fast in football. Every footballer has his ups and downs. You always have to remain professional. I have always done so. That's why I've survived in the business this long.
"I am listening to the manager and he knows he can count on me, regardless of what happens. I want to show on the training pitch that I am ready whenever the manager needs me.
"The team needs every player, so you cannot rule anything out. I have to remain positive. That's the best way to deal with the disappointment of warming the bench."
Mertesacker has made 33 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal - who are third in the Premier League - so far this season.
Per Mertesacker has expressed his disappointment at losing his starting berth at Arsenal, but the centre-back vows to keep fighting and remain professional.
The 31-year-old last featured in the 2-1 FA Cup loss at the hands of Watford on March 13 with Gabriel and Laurent Koscielny favoured by manager Arsene Wenger since.
Mertesacker has taken a watching brief from the substitutes bench for Arsenal's past three matches, but while the Germany international says he's never been in such a situation before, he insists he's doing everything in his power to get back into the Gunners' team.
"I have to admit that this is something new to me. I have been around for quite a while and this has not happened to me before. I am fully match fit, but I am not playing as much as before," Mertesacker told Sport1.
"But I will not give up. I might get another chance. Things can change very fast in football. Every footballer has his ups and downs. You always have to remain professional. I have always done so. That's why I've survived in the business this long.
"I am listening to the manager and he knows he can count on me, regardless of what happens. I want to show on the training pitch that I am ready whenever the manager needs me.
"The team needs every player, so you cannot rule anything out. I have to remain positive. That's the best way to deal with the disappointment of warming the bench."
Mertesacker has made 33 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal - who are third in the Premier League - so far this season.
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