Mertesacker: I need to improve

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker believes that he will have to improve if he wants to play well in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old German joined Arsenal on transfer deadline day this summer. Despite adding some much needed height to the Arsenal defence, critics have pointed out at his lack of pace as being worrisome.

However, Mertesacker believes that he will have to work hard.

"I have to improve, it's hard work to do important games for the club every three or four days, that is very physical," he told BBC Sport.

"I have to take my time but I am improving very quickly."

Mertesacker also claimed that moving to Arsenal was the right decision for him.

"The best players in the world play in the Premier League and therefore it is the best league," he added. "The English people in [Euro] 1996 said 'Football's Coming Home' and that's branded in my mind - that football comes from England.

"I thought the atmosphere was great but if you're standing on the pitch and you see all the supporters around you it is a great feeling to be a player here."

When asked about the current crisis at the club, he stated that it did not affect him as much and he just wanted to help the team.

"It was a critical moment for the club but I didn't feel that because if everything is new and you are a new player, everything is exciting," Mertesacker said.

"But if you are new you want to help the team, settle in quick, adapt quick."

"Every player had a big responsibility here. The club has great past and hopefully a very good future and therefore everyone takes the responsibility to be a good quality player."