Not Mbappé or Vinicius: the one Real Madrid player Merino wants for Arsenal - “I really admire him”

He had never played as a center-forward in his career. But after scoring twice against Leicester City and adding four more goals in the 11 matches since, Mikel Merino is settling in as Arsenal’s increasingly deliberate No 9. His latest goal – a clinical finish against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium – capped an almost flawless performance from Mikel Arteta’s side, who now carry a significant advantage into the return leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.

While Carlo Ancelotti’s squad prepares to mount a comeback at the Santiago Bernabéu, Merino, in an interview with El Larguero on Cadena SER, expressed confidence that Arsenal can return to the semifinals of the Champions League for the first time in nearly 20 years. The Spain international spoke about the Gunners’ display in north London, his unfamiliar role, the now-iconic corner flag celebration, and what he expects from the showdown in Madrid.

Question: Declan Rice scored two brilliant goals, but yours wasn’t bad either…

Answer: “Yeah, not bad – especially because of what came before it, the whole team move. It started with the keeper, and everyone did their job. The finish was good too. Obviously, Declan’s two rockets overshadowed mine a bit, but it’s one I’ll always remember.”

Q: Rice had never scored from a free kick before – then he gets two against Madrid…

A: “It was a unique moment, especially for him. The opponent, the stage… it says a lot about his quality. He’s built for big games and stepped up when we needed him most. We’re all really happy for him.”

Q: In Madrid, there’s more and more belief in a comeback. How’s it going in London?

A: “Personally, I try to stay away from social media and the media in general. The more isolated you are, the more you can focus on your job – your match. But of course, some of it gets through. There’s always noise around games like this. And with Madrid at the Bernabéu, that’s to be expected.”

Q: Is it a special week?

A: “Always – Champions League weeks are special. I’ve played big games in the Euros, other knockout rounds… you definitely feel it coming. You try to rest a bit more, recover well, stay focused. Quarterfinals of the Champions League? That’s always a big deal.”

Q: What did you think of Madrid in the first leg?

A: “They don’t surprise anyone – their quality is well known. Any of them can hurt you at any time. But I saw a team that came to a difficult stadium, against a really well-drilled opponent, and weren’t able to show their best. But I know them well – they can show up at any moment.”

Q: Madrid ran nearly 14km less than Arsenal. Did it feel that way?

A: “What I felt was that I finished the match exhausted [laughs]. I ran like crazy. But stats can be misleading. As one coach used to say: ‘If you’re running too much, that’s a bad sign’ – you might be chasing the ball or out of position. It’s relative. What matters is the result – then people look for answers in the numbers.”

Q: Madrid has never beaten Arsenal in Europe…

A: “Those are just stats [laughs]. Doesn’t mean they won’t in the return leg. We know exactly who we’re up against – total respect. We’re going to a brutal stadium. We’ll go with confidence, yes, but also with hunger and humility, ready to give our best.”

“They have that aura – and it’s deserved.”

Mikel Merino, Arsenal FC

Q: Does the Bernabéu intimidate?

A: “I’ve had all kinds of experiences there. Sometimes they scored early and nothing happened after. Sometimes they scored late and almost turned it around. They have that aura – and it’s deserved. But football is unpredictable. Anything can happen. It’s an open tie, and we’ll go with the mindset of winning.”

Q: In Spain, people say Madrid isn’t in top form. Do you trust that narrative?

A: “Football’s taught me too many lessons not to. In big games – derbies, finals – momentum often goes out the window. Madrid can lift themselves just when people least expect it. So no – we’re not counting on any kind of dip.”

Q: When did Arteta first mention playing you as a striker?

A: “The first time I heard ‘Merino as a striker’ was through friends sending me stuff from social media – I thought it was a joke. But then, the morning of the Leicester game, during our walk, one of the assistants told me they were considering it. I’d be a false nine, dropping in to help build play. I said, ‘Whatever the team needs.’ I’d never played there, but I’d give it a go. That afternoon, I came on for 20 minutes… and scored twice. That kind of sealed my fate [laughs]. It’s gone well since then.”

Q: Who told you during the walk?

A: “One of the assistants – a Spanish one. He explained it really clearly. Mikel believes in me and thought I could adapt. And I’ve tried to do just that.”

Q: Does the pitch look different from that position?

A: “Oh yeah, that first game I was totally lost [laughs]. I was like, ‘Where is everyone?’ But you get used to it. You learn the role, the tactics, the positioning.”

Q: You’ve got eight goals now, equaling last season. Will you stay up front?

A: “That’s more a question for the manager. All I can say is I’ll be ready – whether that means staying up front or going back to midfield. This whole thing was unexpected, but I’ve embraced it.”

Q: You played as a sweeper at Dortmund…

A: “Yeah, as a center-back – and even trained there with Spain. The only position left is goalkeeper, but David Raya’s already told me not to get any ideas [laughs].”

Q: Can you be as effective up front as in midfield?

A: “What does effective mean? Scoring? Supporting the team? It’s tough to ask more from a striker than goals – and I’ve scored. But I still feel most comfortable and aware of everything around me when I play in midfield. That said, I think I’m doing well up top too.”

“The manager’s had to juggle things all season, and players have stepped up outside their usual roles.”

Mikel Merino

Q: With Thomas Partey’s injuries, might you return to midfield?

A: “I won’t go through the injury list, but yes – I’ve filled in at times. The manager’s had to juggle things all season, and players have stepped up outside their usual roles. That speaks to the strength of the group.”

Q: How will Arsenal approach the second leg at the Bernabéu?

A: “Our priority is to be ourselves. Stick to the identity that’s brought us here – our style, our principles. We respect every opponent, especially Madrid, but we won’t stop being us.”

Q: Did the first-leg win help Arteta and the team?

A: “Winning – and winning against a team like Madrid – always helps. It gives you credibility. But we haven’t done anything yet. It was just one match. The real test is still to come. We’ve got our feet on the ground.”

Q: You’ve made the corner flag celebration your signature…

A: “Yeah, I’ve grown to love it [laughs]. I’ve actually been doing it for years, but it got noticed after some big goals. I recently saw a young girl in an Arsenal kit score and do it – that made me proud.”

Q: Do you still have the ball from your Euro goal against Germany?

A: “Yes! People asked about my most cherished memento, and I said the ball. After that match, I posted a story saying Álvaro Morata wanted to keep it, but when he found out my dad had also scored in Stuttgart and celebrated at the corner flag, he gave it to me. I’ll always be grateful – it’s a one-of-a-kind memory.”

Q: If you score at the Bernabéu, will you keep that ball too?

A: “We’ll see [laughs]. I hope that becomes a problem.”

Q: Have you pictured scoring there?

A: “I’m not one for imagining things before they happen. But I’ve scored there before with Real Sociedad, in a knockout tie we won – those are unforgettable moments. Hopefully it happens again.”

Q: If you could sign any Madrid player for Arsenal, who would it be?

A: “That’s a trap question [laughs]. They’re all amazing. But I’ve said before – I have a soft spot for Rodrygo. Technically gifted, complete, smart. He can play inside, outside, stretch the play… I really admire him.”

Q: Did you see Mbappé’s tackle against Alavés?

A: “Hard to miss. It was everywhere.”

Q: Red card for you?

A: “Tough challenge – I think there’s not much debate. He probably knows that too. Sometimes you mistime it, or the ball moves faster than you expect… it happens.”

Q: Which team looks strongest in the Champions League?

A: “Tough to say. At this stage, anything can happen. In the Champions League, matches turn on tiny details. The second legs especially. I’m not picking one – sorry [laughs].”

Q: Do you still follow Real Sociedad?

A: “Yes, closely and with great affection. I talk to former teammates and the coach. I recently visited. They’ll always have a place in my heart.”

Q: Will Mikel Merino be at Arsenal long-term?

A: “I hope so. I came here to do something special. I’ve got years left on my contract and that’s definitely the plan.”

“They’ve done it before, right?

Mikel Merino on Madrid comebacks

Q: Can Madrid come back from 3–0?

A: “Come on… they’ve done it before, right? We’re treating it like an open match. Anything can happen. We go there to win, with total respect – not just for Madrid, but for every opponent.”

Q: Is scoring at the Bernabéu the key?

A: “Scoring is the key in football. That’s the whole point. Hopefully we do – it would help a lot.”

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