Alan Smith says the physical and mental 'burden' Per Mertesacker has experienced is not uncommon among footballers Alan Smith says the physical and mental 'burden' Per Mertesacker has experienced is not uncommon among footballersAlan Smith has credited Arsenal's Per Mertesacker for speaking candidly about the mental and physical "burden" professional football can bring. Former striker Smith, who made 264 appearances for Arsenal, says players facing similar problems as Mertesacker in their careers is not uncommon. To be fair, a lot of players will think that without saying it, but he's 33, he's achieved almost everything possible in the game," said Smith, speaking on Premier League Daily. That's what has made him a valuable presence in the Arsenal dressing room that's been short on leaders. "It's a side of professional football that the public don't see.

Source: Sky sports March 13, 2018 16:14 UTC