Mertesacker returns to the German national team
Former German international Per Mertesacker will once again be part of 'Die Mannschaft' - but in a new role.
Retired German international Per Mertesacker will be part of the German national team's new expert advisory council founded by general manager Oliver Bierhoff.
"Per will be part of the new expert advisory council. We have had a conversation about it. Per is very much looking forward to the future task. He has many interesting views and a strong expression of opinion," Bierhoff told Sport Bild.
Mertesacker resigned from the national team after winning the World Cup with Germany in 2014. Last summer, he finished his active career at Arsenal and took over the role as manager of the club's academy.
The point of the council is to discuss and evaluate decisions made by the German Football Association bosses. Besides Mertesacker, former Germany coach Berti Vogts and ex-Adidas boss Herbert Hainer will be part of the council which is planned to consist of 10 members.