Arsenal came close to competing in their first Champions League final since 2006 but were bested in the semi-finals by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain
Mikel Merino, Declan Rice and William Saliba celebrating a goal
Mikel Merino was repackaged as a striker by Mikel Arteta due to Arsenal's injuries across their forward line
(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Merino admitted it hurt watching Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League - as he had his say on how Arsenal could improve next season. The Gunners star played every minute of their two-legged semi-final against the eventual champions, who defeated them 3-1 on aggregate before thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.
It left the north Londoners ruing an opportunity to compete in the European Cup final for the first time since 2006 and also ended their chances of finishing the season with silverware.
It was a fifth straight season without a trophy for Arsenal as Merino discussed missing out on the chance to play in the final, admitting watching the game between PSG and Inter left him hurt by his side's failure.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he said: "Yes (sighs), the other day it hurt me to see the final after feeling so close," when asked whether he still feels the anguish of Arsenal's semi-final defeat.
"I think that Arsenal, for the two games they played in the semi-finals, deserved to be there. In the end, it's about details, individual brilliance, and in this case Donnarumma saved two chances and the first fifteen minutes in Paris that could have given us the tie, but that's football nowadays; even if we are perfect as a team, it's all decided by details.
Arsenal's Spanish midfielder #23 Mikel Merino reacts after missing a goal opportunity during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris
Arsenal's Spanish midfielder #23 Mikel Merino reacts after missing a goal opportunity during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris
Traditionally a holding midfielder who can advance forward at times, Merino was transformed into a striker mid-season by Mikel Arteta after an injury crisis decimated their forward options.
It was a role the Spain international performed exceedingly well, as he finished the season with nine goals across all competitions, with only Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard scoring more than him.
While this season wasn't his first venture into English football – he also played 25 games for Newcastle United back in the 2017/18 campaign – Merino said the new experience in London allowed him to take note of what he has to improve on.
"I am more mature," he said. "The experiences, the change of scenery, and getting out of your comfort zone make you tougher, it makes you grow. Going through hard times, realising what you have and what you don't have, seeing what you have to improve.
Rodrygo of Real Madrid controls the ball whilst under pressure from Mikel Merino of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain
The Spaniard said his first foray into English football showed him what he had to improve on
"This year has been different; I have learned a lot from a group with different nationalities, from a different culture, which makes me more mature."
With Arsenal expected to sign a striker this summer, Merino implied the Gunners would continue to gain the fruits of his goalscoring labour due to the work he's undertaking to progress his influence in front of goal.
"I always saw myself in the danger zone, I've always been a great finisher and I've always been close to the opponent's box," he added. "I haven't exploited it in terms of numbers, scoring goals, as much as I could, but I was comfortable near the box.
"I have physical power, and when it comes to finishing, that creates problems for the centre-backs and is dangerous, but it's true that I've never seen myself as a centre-forward. This year, I've had the opportunity to grow, and I'm developing my game, which will be very good for me."
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