Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker says his focus is entirely on the club after retiring from international football.
The 30-year-old enjoyed a healthy spell with the German national team started a decade ago when called by coach Jurgen Klinsmann for the friendly match against Iran on October 2004.
The centre back was part of the World Cup winning squad in Brazil last summer but opted against continuing his career with Germany.
"I reflected and last season was very tough," Mertesacker told Arsenal Player.
"This season won't be less intense so I needed a chance to rest and refuel. I want to push forward with the club now to show I can still improve.
"I realised over the last few years that the club really needs me and that was a big motivation to win something with them and then with Germany. Now I'm really focused to do even more with Arsenal.
"There's even more respect and support here than I expected when I signed.
"This club has topped everything and I'm really proud to be part of it, especially after learning more about the fans and its history.
"As vice-captain I feel more responsibility for my work here and I want to achieve more in my next three years with Arsenal.
"One chapter has closed and the other one has opened even more, that's how it feels for me."