Mikel Merino has opened up about the influence of Thierry Henry and what it means to wear the Arsenal shirt.
The Euro 2024 winner has enjoyed a strong start to the year, leading the club in goals since January.
Despite his impact, he often flies under the radar. Mikel Arteta has highlighted how valuable his adaptability has been this campaign.
Merino’s shift from midfield into a more advanced role over the past year mirrors his growing importance. Now, he’s aiming to take inspiration from Henry as he continues to settle into his new position.
Mikel Merino aims to build his own Arsenal legacy
Mikel Merino has named Thierry Henry as his favourite Arsenal player of all time, highlighting the significance of playing for a club with such a rich history.
The Spanish midfielder, who is helping the Gunners in their pursuit of the Premier League title, has also expressed his ambition to leave his own mark on the club’s story.
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While looking through a selection of old Arsenal kits, one stood out in particular. “Thierry Henry is my favourite Arsenal player of all time,” he said.
The 29-year-old midfielder also spoke about what it means to follow in the footsteps of a legend like Henry and how he wants to contribute to Arsenal’s success.
“Of course. I mean, you are in a huge club, and not by chance, huge clubs are represented by huge players and players like Henry,” he added.
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“He showed everyone what he was about and helped the club become bigger at the same time that the club was helping him become the player.”
Henry’s spell at N5 saw him pick up two league titles, three FA Cups and two Community Shields during eight memorable years with the Gunners.
Mikel Merino grew up admiring Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas was a major influence for him even before his move to Arsenal. The midfielder spoke about this while looking through old kits, particularly one from the 2005/06 season bearing Fabregas’ name.
It wasn’t just about the players for Merino, though. The 2004/05 home kit holds special meaning for him, as it’s one he remembers owning as a child.
“The red one. When I was growing up, I have a picture when I was eight years old with an Arsenal kit, full kit, with Henry on the back,” he added.
He recalled how that photo resurfaced when he joined Arsenal: “It went viral when I signed for Arsenal because of how strange it is that you are eight years old wearing an Arsenal kit, but life gives you the opportunity to play for the club.”
Back then, it would’ve been hard to imagine that he’d end up playing in red and white and taking inspiration from two of his heroes – Fabregas and Henry.
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