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Hector Bellerin pens touching tribute to retiring Per Mertesacker

The 6’6 centre-back hangs up his boots after eight seasons in North London.

Hector Bellerin pens touching tribute to retiring Per Mertesacker

Arsenal defneder Per Mertesacker (L) and custodian Petr Cech (Photo: AFP)

Arsenal fullback Hector Bellerin took to Instagram to pay tribute to retiring Gunner Per Mertesacker and the Spaniard’s post saw him come in for praise from all quarters.

Such an emotional day to play our last game together. You have been a role model on and off the pitch for me and many young players coming through. Thank you for helping me develop into the player I am today and best of luck in your next chapter @p_mertesacker! #BFG #DankePer

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A post shared by Héctor Bellerín (@hectorbellerin) on

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The Gunners smashed Burnley 5-0 in their final home league game of the season at the Emirates Stadium, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang starring with a brace.

Sead Kolasinac, Alex Iwobi and Alexandre Lacazette chipped in with a goal each to ensure Arsene Wenger and Mertesacker’s final home game would be a memorable one for the right reasons.

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It was a emotional day for all involved with the club, for two long-serving servants bid farewell to the Gunners faithful.

While Wenger will walk away after 22 eventful seasons, Mertesacker is retiring after eight seasons.

The gangly German will remain a part of the club, however, as he is set to take charge of the club academy once the current season comes to a close.

Bellerin, who joined the club from Barcelona’s La Masia Academy, made his Arsenal debut in 2013-14 season before going on to become a regular the following campaign.

Mertesacker, who has been captaining the North Londoners for the past few years, is a popular figure in the dressing room and Bellerin’s post doesn’t come as a surprise.

The Gunners still have two games left in the Premier League, however, both ties are away from home.

Their fixtures:

  1. Leicester, May 09
  2. Huddersfield, May 13

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