Mikel Merino scored Spain’s winner against Portugal in the last 16 (Picture: Getty Images)
Mikel Merino is happy as ‘part of the Arsenal family’ and says he is not thinking about a future beyond the club.
The 30-year-old joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad in 2024 and has racked up 78 appearances in all competitions, scoring 15 goals.
The 48-cap Spain star was signed as a central midfielder, but has also been a very useful option up front when injuries have struck.
His versatility has made him a very useful player for club and country but has potentially cost him a regular place in the starting XI.
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Bellingham has stood tall for Thomas Tuchel (Picture: FIFA via Getty)
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Partly due to injury, but Merino only made 10 Premier League starts last season, with 12 more appearances coming from the bench.
After scoring the only goal of the game in Spain’s win over Portugal in the last 16 of the World Cup, Merino was asked if he saw himself finishing his career at Arsenal and it certainly sounds like a possibility.
‘I don’t know, I wasn’t expecting this,’ he told COPE. ‘I’m calm, I’m happy there, they make me feel as part of the family at the club.
Merino won the Premier League title with fellow Spain star Martin Zubimendi at Arsenal (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I’m not thinking much more than that. I’m old, so I’m making the most of every day and not looking beyond that.’
Merino has started just once match at the World Cup so far, the final group game against Uruguay, but has come on in the other four outings.
Asked how he deals with being a substitute, he said: ‘Well, it’s as best we can. We’re all competitive, and if we’re at the top, it’s because we’re people who know they’re very good and can contribute at any time.
‘We all see ourselves as starters in our minds; it’s another thing entirely how we accept the role we’re given. If you’re going to complain about being a substitute, this isn’t the team for you, and it’s not your national team.
Merino ended Portugal’s World Cup hopes in Arlington, Texas (Picture: Getty Images)
‘That’s why it’s considered an exemplary squad, because it’s very difficult to be here, to be a substitute, or to get a few minutes and perform as well as the players who come on.’
Spain take on Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday and on whether he would pick himself to start, he said: ‘It depends on the context, the opponent, how you interpret football… I’m not a coach yet, I don’t know if I ever will be, but I think it’s a very difficult job.
‘Personally, I’d play because I want to, 100 per cent, but I’ll be ready for whatever the manager decides.’
“Mikel Merino off the bench with the killer goal!”
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has worked with Merino for years, having managed the country’s youth teams before taking the senior job in 2022.
After Merino rose from the bench to down Portugal, De la Fuente was full of praise for the Arsenal star.
‘We played a very complete game, and the most important players are those who come off the bench,’ he said. ‘I told [Merino] to play as always, to support in midfield and attack, we were thinking of giving them a bit of more rhythm to face extra time. The players’ contribution has been masterful.
‘I’m very happy for him. I have a great affection for all the players, but with Mikel Merino there’s something special because we’ve known each other for a long time. If necessary, I’d go to pick him up at his house. He’s world-class. I want to emphasise the importance of the players who come off the bench. And Mikel never disappoints; he’s a safe bet.’
