Netherlands legend Marco van Basten hits out at Per Mertesacker

Former Netherlands striker Marco van Basten has launched a verbal attack on Arsenal and Germany defender Per Mertesacker.

The Gunners centre-back, who moved to the Emirates from the Bundesliga last summer, has been criticised by Van Basten ahead of the European Championships.

"He is not fully fit and has been unimpressive," The Express quotes Van Basten as saying.

Germany will take on the Netherlands, Denmark and Portugal in Group B of the tournament, which kicks off on Friday.