Mikel Merino has given his first interview as an Arsenal player with Josh James on the official club website. The combative midfielder transferred from Real Sociedad this week for a reported £32m fee.
On winning the most duels across Europe’s big five leagues last season:
“I think that’s a big part of my game and that shows the character that I have. I want to fight for every ball and this is something that I learnt when I was really young. Maybe you can win it, or you won’t. I’m not promising I will win every duel, but what I can promise is that I will fight for every ball with 100 per cent.”
On bringing a Spanish football mentality to the Gunners:
“I like to work for the team with or without the ball. I’m always thinking about the collective aspect of the game. I like to play with the ball; I have a Spanish culture of football.”
On how his time with Newcastle in the 2017/18 season will help him integrate quickly:
“I think it will be massive because of how tough this league is if you come as a new player. Maybe you don’t realise it until you try it. But right now, I have the idea of how this league is and how tough every game is.
“Obviously, talking with teammates, or ex-teammates who are here, I know how high the standard is right now. You have to win every single game. I have a little idea of the stadiums, the teams, the atmosphere you are about to expect; it’s always an advantage.”
On his memories of Martin Odegaard as a teammate at Sociedad in the 2019/20 season:
“In every training, in every game, I think we had a good connection. He’s a player who moves extremely well behind the back of the midfielders, and for us who play in a similar position, he made the job really easy for me.”
On the synergy between him and Mikel Arteta:
“I wouldn’t move to a club that are not aligned with my desires. What I want is to grow, to win, to fulfil my dreams and I think this club has the same mentality. This is something I value a lot. I value a lot of the work they put in every single day.
“I have spoken with Mikel [Arteta] and he’s told me the way they work, and I love that way of working as well. So, I think it’s the perfect match, now it’s time to get to work, the part I love doing, and hopefully, everything goes well.”
On his admiration for Arsenal Football Club:
“Obviously, they have an amazing team, an amazing squad; I can see they have amazing facilities, amazing staff around them. So, I think it’s the best mix, and hopefully this year we can do big things together.”
The post Mikel Merino: “I want to fulfil my dreams” appeared first on AFTV.
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