Merino was fresh off his Euro 2024 triumph, a tournament where he helped drag Spain into the semi-final with a dramatic stoppage-time winner. That trophy lift came six years after his reluctant Newcastle exit.
Rafa Benitez signed his compatriot a year earlier, initially on loan, before swiftly making the move permanent. Merino, then a novice, looked stylish, with a winner against Crystal Palace his crowning moment. Watch on Shots! Geordie Journos reflect on Newcastle United takeover - three years on
But a back injury saw him ruled out for several months and, when he returned, the experienced Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden were settled in midfield. Whispers about homesickness also lingered - a rumour Merino has publicly downplayed
The Arsenal new boy has now admitted his time at St James’ Park was a key factor behind returning to England. Merino told La Opinion de A Coruna: “The Premier League had caught my attention because I enjoyed myself a lot at Newcastle and I always left the door open to returning. I don’t know what my future will be like.”
Merino also praised Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who handed him his Emirates debut against Southampton last weekend. He added: “He is a coach who is very passionate about what he does. He loves the tactical and also the emotional aspect of group management.
“I am very motivated by having people like that because I am also passionate about my thing, being a footballer. Mikel infects you. That caught my attention and also how he has turned around a club that was in a difficult situation.”
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