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Per Mertesacker wants to shore up the Arsenal defence after watching the 8-2 mauling at Manchester United.
Speaking to The Sun, he said: "I watched that game and I wasn't too delighted. When I was young and visited England with my auntie, as somebody who was football crazy, I simply had to come back with a shirt. I can't remember why, but I came back with an Arsenal shirt and my brother had a Manchester United one. This affinity has grown over more than 10 years and now the loop closes because I am delighted to finally get to play at a team I always supported and where I always wanted to appear eventually."
The German has followed the Gunners since he was a teenager and admits the debacle against United did not make great viewing.
The 26-year-old 6ft 6in defender completed his deadline day transfer from Werder Bremen, in an £9million switch.
Mertesacker and Brazil left-back Andre Santos, who arrived from Fenerbahce, will add some much-needed experience to an Arsenal backline which was brutally exposed at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Santos meanwhile joins the Gunners from the Turkish champions and the Brazil international intends to win more silverware as soon as possible.
The defender, 28, said: “I arrive here with one aim — being a champion. I will wear Arsenal's shirt and give my utmost to it. I will do everything for the club."
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