Lighthearted Jabs Fly on ZDF as Mertesacker Faces Playful Dig

 

Lighthearted Jabs Fly on ZDF as Mertesacker Faces Playful Dig

A moment of lighthearted teasing unfolded live on German television channel ZDF during a discussion on the European Championship. The exchange involved presenter Katrin Müller-Hohenstein and former German footballer Per Mertesacker, who now works as a TV pundit.

Pepe's Longevity Sparks the Fun

The conversation centered around the impressive performance of Portugal's veteran defender, Pepe, who recently became the oldest player ever to feature in the European Championship at the age of 41. Mertesacker, sitting alongside fellow pundit Christoph Kramer, listened as presenter Müller-Hohenstein summarized Pepe's career highlights.

A Playful Jab from the Presenter

Müller-Hohenstein then turned to Mertesacker with a playful jab: "What do you say about Pepe, Per? He's two years older than you, plays the same position." Mertesacker's casual reply, "Do I have to worry now?", opened the door for some good-natured ribbing.

Kramer Interjects with Humor

Müller-Hohenstein couldn't resist a playful dig. "You stopped six years ago," she remarked. "Couldn't you have dragged your tired bones around the pitch for a few more years? What kind of wimp do we have here on the sofa?" This lighthearted comment drew laughter and applause from the audience.

Mertesacker Takes it in Stride

Mertesacker displayed good humor, clearly enjoying the presenter's playful jab. "I can't explain it either," he replied. "I was proud of my 15 years, but his career has lasted over 20 years."

A Rare Breed Like Pepe

The presenter's comment was intended to be humorous, acknowledging the exceptional longevity of Pepe's career. Pepe made his professional debut in 2002, even before some of the current young talents like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala were born. Now, all three find themselves on the same stage at the European Championship.

Mertesacker Acknowledges Pepe's Accolades

Mertesacker, ever the sportscaster, turned the conversation back to Pepe's impressive career. "He was rarely injured," Mertesacker noted, "and while he did pick up a few red cards, which meant he missed a few games..." This comment elicited another round of laughter, referencing Pepe's reputation as a robust player with 17 career red cards.

Respect for a Veteran Player

Despite the playful banter, Mertesacker's overall message was one of respect. "He's still an absolute regular player at FC Porto and in the Portuguese national team," Mertesacker acknowledged. "Hats off, he does a lot of things right."

While Mertesacker himself retired from international football after Germany's World Cup victory in 2014, Pepe continues to defy expectations. The 41-year-old veteran remains a force to be reckoned with, inspiring young players with his dedication and experience.