Arsenal's new Spanish star eyeing trophies with Gunners

Spain international Mikel Merino joined Arsenal from La Liga side Real Sociedad on a long-term contract.
The 28-year-old midfielder was a vital member of Sociedad’s team since joining the Basque side in 2018. In the heart of their midfield, he made 242 appearances, scoring 27 goals and assisting 30 times.

Born in Pamplona, Spain, Mikel started his career with Osasuna. He progressed through their youth ranks into the first team, where he made 67 appearances and scored eight goals. In July 2016, he joined Borussia Dortmund and helped them win the German Cup the following May.

This week, Showmax brings you an interview with Arsenal's new Spanish maestro, as he chats about his excitement at joining the Gunners as well as his ambitions moving forward with the English giants.

How does it feel to have joined Arsenal Football Club?

Thank you very much! It feels amazing to finally be here. I am really happy and excited for the future

You had conversations with sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta. What was it that made you choose Arsenal?

It was an easy decision because of the past years of how big the club is, and the ambition is there for everyone to see. Not only from watching the games, but from also talking to Mikel and Edu. They explained the process, and the way they have been doing things, and so that makes it easier for you to decide, because you see the hunger and ambition of the club. As a player, I want to keep growing and keep winning. I want that in my career and Arsenal is the perfect club for that.

You have a history with Arsenal. We have seen a picture from your youth of you wearing an Arsenal shirt. Tell us about that?

It is funny how life works. That picture was taken 20 years ago, when I was a kid. My father was a footballer, and so he would give me all the shirts of the teams he played against. One day after coming back from holiday, my mom and dad came home and gifted me an Arsenal kit. I remember being over the moon. I was so excited to take a picture in my kit. It’s funny how life works. I have now achieved the dream of playing at this huge club.

You would almost say it's destiny?

Some people believe in destiny. I believe you create your own destiny. I have worked hard to reach these heights and I am delighted to be here.

How would you describe yourself as a footballer?

It’s always tough to talk about myself in those terms. I think I’m a hard worker. I want to call myself a good teammate. I like to offer the team plenty with and without the ball. I think of the collective aspect of the game.

No player won more duels than you in Europe’s top five leagues. So, you are clearly someone who is strong in duels. Would you say that is a big part of your game?

It is a big part of game. It also shows people the character I have, to fight for every ball. I won’t promise that I will win every single duel, but what I can promise is that I will fight for every ball and give a hundred percent effort each and every time I am on the pitch.

You are familiar with the Premier League, having played for Newcastle previously. Would you say that will benefit you now?

It will be a massive help to me. I know just how tough the league is. As a new player, you don’t realise how tough this league is until you’ve tried it. I have an idea of how tough every game is. I have an idea of the different stadiums, the atmosphere, what you can what you can expect. It's always an advantage.

You know Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard from your guys time at Real Sociedad. Have you spoken to Martin?

We exchanged some messages. He said he was really happy for me to make this step in my career. It was amazing to share the pitch with him back in the day, we made some great memories. And I hope that our connection is even better here.

Did the two of you combine well on the pitch?

In every training session and every game, we had a really good connection. Martin moves extremely well behind back of the midfielders, and so he makes the job for myself and other midfielders really easy.

Do you see yourself as a leader?

My main focus is on helping the team. The more leaders you have, the better the team will perform. I have experienced a lot in my career, and so I am here to help the team. I want to help and I want to learn from my teammates too and from the coach. The main thing is that we help each other.

You also played with Kieran Tierney. Did you speak to him before making the move to Arsenal?

Yes, of course. We were talking last year already. I was asking him some question, because I always want to learn new things. I asked him about what life was like at Arsenal and how they were doing things that side. I actually spoke to him a few hours ago and he told me this was a huge step for me in terms of my football career. He told me I would love London and England. And if he says this is a good place, then it is a good place.

Another member of the team that you are no stranger to is David Raya. The two of you shared special memories this summer when you won the EUROs together with Spain. What was that like?

It was an amazing summer for us. When the rumours started coming out in the media of me potentially joining Arsenal, he used to ask me what is going on and whether he will be seeing me here at Arsenal. We have a good relationship, having won the EUROs together. I am so happy that he is here. He will be a big help for me to adapt to this new life.

What do you make of Arsenal’s current team?

They are a team that have standards of the highest level. They had two amazing seasons in the last two seasons, where they were so close to winning the league. What pleases me the most is the hunger and desire they have shown and that never-give-up attitude. I have come here to help the team achieve their goals. They have an amazing team and squad. The facilities are fantastic and the staff are beyond amazing. Hopefully we will do big things together this season.

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