Mikel Merino recently sat down with TNT Sports to discuss a life-changing year, featuring a Premier League title win, a triumphant World Cup campaign, and the arrival of his first child.
These events definitely change you. The birth of a child completely flips your life upside down, shifting priorities. Now, I am first and foremost a father.
The Spanish midfielder also recalled a serious injury that coincided with his wife's pregnancy, putting his World Cup dreams in jeopardy.
The thought of possibly missing the World Cup was unbearable. I had to rely on my family and friends, focusing on the positives.
Merino is known for his ability to impact games off the bench, and he shared how he copes with this role, including advice he received from his father, who also played football.
When you're told you'll be starting on the bench, you need to adapt quickly and shake off any feelings of being undervalued. Then you must go out and prove yourself. Football is a team sport. You're never alone on the pitch; the collective always comes first.
As the interview drew to a close, Merino discussed the team's ambitions for the season and praised Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta.
Our plan is to approach every match as if it's the most important one, staying active and giving our all. Arteta is one of the best managers in the world. Every day, I try to absorb his words like a sponge.
