Soccer Globe

Merida Says Arsenal ‘Best’ Club For Youngsters, Eyes First-Team Role - Wenger Could Use “Absolutely Amazing Talent”

Spanish midfielder Fran Merida is keen to stay at Arsenal and work his way into Arsene Wenger’s side this season.

The promising 18-year-old was loaned out to Real Sociedad last season, but the Gunners boss is likely to use the services of whom he described as an “an absolutely amazing talent”, in the 2008-09 campaign.

Merida, whose move from Barcelona to Arsenal was shrouded in controversy over compensation in 2005-06 season, said on the North London club’s official website: “Yes, of course. Definitely. I really want to make it here.”

The Spanish Under-19 international, who was hailed as one of the ‘Future Stars’ by the confederation’s official website at the recent Uefa Under-19 Championships in the Czech Republic, disclosed that the loan stint in his homeland was beneficial.

“Being away with Sociedad was really great for me,” Merida said. “At the beginning I wasn’t really playing, maybe only 10 or 20 minutes at the end of the games, but when the coach was replaced I found new confidence and I worked myself into the team.

“The beginning was difficult because I have never had that situation before. That was the hard part. I needed to learn from it and I did. It just shows that nobody will just give you something; you have to work hard for it.

“I worked my way into the team and from there my experience was very good. I got new friends, too, so in general it was a very good time for me.

“Playing professionally is a new situation, one where you play in front of 25,000 people, one with pressure from press and fans every single week. I am not saying it is better than reserve football here because you learn so much, but it is different.

“It looks more like the first-team and that can prepare you and make you a better player.”

He added: “It fills me happiness that I am at Arsenal, a great club and one of the best for young people.

“I will keep going with what I do best and going into my third season I have the feeling that I want to make it here.

“I haven’t had a chance to speak with Arsène Wenger but I have been training with the physio to improve my fitness levels. I don’t know if we will sit down and talk next week or the next, but the most important thing is for me to be back working with the team.

“I feel very good and I’m full of enthusiasm for the new season.”