Mertesacker reveals how grandmother blocked him from joining Bayern

Former Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has revealed that the advice of his grandmother prevented him from joining Bayern Munich during a distinguished playing career.

The World Cup-winning centre-half found himself registering on the transfer radar of those at the Allianz Arena at various stages.

It was during a productive spell at Hannover that most of the speculation built, with the commanding presence having proved his worth at a Bundesliga rival.

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Bayern would have welcomed the opportunity to add Mertesacker, as a Germany international, to a star-studded squad.

It was, however, made clear to a man who ended up heading to Werder Bremen in 2006 and Emirates Stadium five years…