Arsenal‘s Mikel Merino admits that not playing regularly isn’t ideal, however, he wants to continue with the Premier League winners.
The Spain international hasn’t enjoyed a starting role regularly under Mikel Arteta since the start of last season. He finished the previous season with 1,027 minutes in 22 league matches.
This season, the Arsenal star played 518 minutes in 15 matches, and 203 were from 10 Premier League appearances.
Merino wants Arsenal stay
Earlier this month, Sport Witness covered a report from Spain explaining that Atlético Madrid want to sign him in January. There was a suggestion that the midfielder could push for a move to enjoy regular minutes.
Besides Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres, haven’t enjoyed regular minutes this season. The latter two played 100 and 181 minutes in seven Premier League matches respectively.
On Wednesday, Zubimendi dismissed reports he’s close to joining Atlético Madrid and said he will finish this season at the Emirates. Later that day, the Sweden international striker said he wants to stay at Arsenal.
Mikel Merino, who is now with Spain, spoke to local reporters, and Estadio Deportivo have relayed his comments. The 30-year-old addressed the possibility of both him and Zubimendi leaving if their playing time doesn’t improve.
“Not being on the pitch most of the time isn’t ideal for a player. Arsenal is currently the best team in the world, and it’s very difficult to get minutes. Now, we know what our roles are, and we’re both calm and eager to keep training hard to show that we can continue to be there,” he said.
Lucky to play under Arsenal manager
The former Newcastle United man admits that his situation at the north London club isn’t ideal. Despite this, he aims to continue at Arsenal to play under Mikel Arteta.
“Of course. What player wouldn’t like to have more minutes? If anyone is lucky to have this manager, it’s me. You’ll never hear me complain about a manager’s decision, but what I want is to play,” Mikel Merino explained.
His father, Ángel Miguel Merino, was also a professional footballer and a coach. Speaking to the latter gives the Gunners midfielder a different perspective to accept the secondary role.
“It’s difficult to internalise that. We’re selfish in many cases and see football from an individual perspective,” he concluded.
“But the fact that my father was a coach makes me see football differently. Those who finish the matches are the ones who win the championships. It’s often difficult to convince ourselves.”
