Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has revealed that he intends to call time on his playing career this summer.
The former Germany international, who made his first start in more than a year in the FA Cup final win over Chelsea, is in talks with the club over a backroom role.
"I was extremely lucky with my career and I want to finish on a high," Mertesacker told Sport1. "I am motivated, but I cannot play every three days any more. I don't want to stretch my luck.
"I recently told [Gunners boss Arsene Wenger] that I am tired, mentally wasted. The first time in my career I thought it makes no sense anymore, that I'll retire. No matter how hard I practiced I didn't get a chance.
"At Arsenal you are replaceable so quickly as a player, I don't want to stand in someone's way. Winning the FA Cup was an extreme close which I could not expect.
"Arsenal want to keep hold of me and there are already talks. It will be in the business operations. I will stand on the other side."
Mertesacker has made 210 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions and won three FA Cups since joining the club from Werder Bremen in 2011.
Mark Langshaw
