Many football players talk about how they were a fan of the club they play for from a young age but how many of them can actually prove it?
Arsenal and German defender Per Mertesacker posted a picture of himself as a young boy wearing an Arsenal shirt on his official Facebook account. The German posted the picture as he reminisced his first time in England, as a young boy, and the Arsenal shirt he had bought as a souvenir. In the post, the towering defender expressed his affection for the North London side and how he loved the club even at a mere age.
Per Mertesacker would eventually go on to join Arsenal in the summer of 2011 but the former Werder Bremen defender showed all the fans his love for Arsenal even prior to him joining them. There is no wonder why the Arsenal defender has become a fan favorite during his time in London.
This post came as both player and club announced Mertesacker's 2 year contract extension at Arsenal FC. The contract will see Arsenal's center-back remain at the club until 2017.
.@mertesacker has extended his @Arsenal contract and has been discussing his role at the Club: http://t.co/jykpI8AbyQ How important is he?
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) March 4, 2014
As a young boy and now-very proud to be a gunner! Thanks fans for your support. Happy to have extended with @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/rsT92OM8kU
— Per Mertesacker (@mertesacker) March 4, 2014 
