Arsenal club captain Per Mertesacker has revealed he remains open minded about his future, but has emphatically stated that he wishes to continue playing for at least another year.
The 32 year old has struggled with a knee injury all season, but put in an excellent performance in his only start of the campaign in the FA Cup final win against Chelsea. Speaking to the Associated Press (quotes via the Rheinische Post), he said:
“I leave my future open, I have to check my health after this season. I want to play in the coming season again.”
The German international signed a new contract extension back in January, keeping him at the Emirates until the summer of 2018, but his injury problems and lack of games could see him continue his career away from the Premier League.
If he can keep himself fit, and he can contribute to the standards he showed in the FA Cup final, he could yet prove useful as a squad player, especially if Arsene Wenger persists with a three man backline next season.