Arsenal defender Johan Djourou has revealed that his Gunners teammate Per Mertesacker advised him to move to Hannover 96 on loan.

Djourou joined the Bundesliga side after making just two appearances for Arsenal this season.

The 25-year-old Switzerland international said that Mertesacker was a key factor in his move to the German outfit.

"Per is a good friend of mine. He told me many positive things about Hannover 96. And he said that I should do that and go there," Djourou told Bild.

"I have a good athletic quality and I play aggressively against the ball. I always want to play and in Hannover there's a good opportunity for me to do that. And it's the perfect club for me."

Djourou is on loan to Hannover until the end of the season.