Mikel Merino Reacts After He Made Arsenal Debut Despite Recent Injury

Mikel Merino finally made his eagerly awaited debut for Arsenal during their Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night.

The Spanish midfielder was introduced as a second-half substitute in the 64th minute, receiving a warm welcome from the Emirates Stadium crowd. Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over PSG, with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.

Merino's debut had been delayed due to a combination of fitness issues and the need to adapt to Mikel Arteta's tactical system. Since his summer transfer from Real Sociedad, Merino had spent five weeks on the sidelines, focusing on training and integrating with his new teammates. His perseverance and dedication were finally rewarded as he took to the field, demonstrating his readiness and strong mentality.

After the match, Merino shared his excitement and gratitude on social media. "What a feeling!!!" he posted on Instagram. "Honoured to be a part of this huge and amazing club!! Thank you so much to everyone for the warm welcome. COYG." His message received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow players, including a congratulatory note from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Reflecting on his debut, Merino described the experience as "amazing" and acknowledged the challenges he had overcome. "It was tough waiting for my chance, but the support from the team and the fans kept me going," he said. "I'm thrilled to have finally made my debut and to have contributed to such an important win."

Mikel Arteta also commended Merino's performance, emphasizing his professionalism and the positive impact he had on the game. "Mikel has shown great professionalism and dedication since joining us," Arteta remarked. "His debut was well-deserved, and I'm confident he will continue to be a valuable asset for us moving forward."

Merino's debut signals the start of an exciting new chapter in his career at Arsenal. With his first appearance now behind him, the midfielder is eager to build on this momentum and help the Gunners achieve their objectives this season.