Arsenal loanee reveals advice from team-mate and explains how he lost confidence

Monday, January 7, 2013
3:49 PM

Johan Djourou says Arsenal team-mate Per Mertesacker encouraged him to join Hannover on loan and admits playing out of position for the Gunners dented his confidence.

The Swiss international had fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates before agreeing to join Bundesliga side Hannover until the end of the season on Saturday.

And the 25-year-old says German team-mate Mertesacker was influential in his decision to make the loan move.

“Per is a good friend of mine,” Djourou told Bild. “He told me many positive things about Hannover 96 and he said that I should do that and go there.

Centre back Djourou filled in at right back for Arsenal last season and endured a torrid time in the unfamiliar role.

He said: “Last season I had to play right back and I lost a little self-confidence.

“I have a good athletic quality and I play aggressively against the ball.

“I always want to play and in Hannover there´s a good opportunity for me to do that. It´s the perfect club for me.”