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Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker says any criticism aimed his way only makes him a better player. Mertesacker, 32, had not started a game all season but was called upon for the final against Chelsea after suspension and injury decimated Arsenal's defence. Despite concerns over his fitness having only featured for 37 minutes over the course of the entire campaign, Mertesacker was a man-of-the-match contender as Arsene Wenger's side secured a 2-1 win at Wembley. But he said that the more his ability is questioned the better he will become. "I expect myself to perform at that level every single week," he said. "I don't know if I'm capable but I've done it for 15 years. The more people that write me off, the stronger I get. That's my feeling. "I think we have shown great support in him [Wenger] as well and for his trust in us. We have shown with that performance, it's a statement." Mertesacker showed a mixture of composure, strength and leadership to patrol Arsenal's back three in his first start of the campaign. A 2014 World Cup winner with Germany, Mertesacker said he had "suffered" this season but was delighted to be able to give his all as Arsenal finished the season on a high by securing a record 13th FA Cup win. "I'm just blessed for this opportunity," he added. "For the trust from my teammates and my manager because being sidelined for such a long time, I suffered a lot this season because you want to contribute on the pitch. "To be able to do that today was a very proud moment for myself and to lead the team out for the first time officially as captain is a great moment for myself. "At the end of the day everyone trusted me and supported me throughout the season and the manager gave me the opportunity."
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