Merino: I can’t wait to start

Chief Sports Writer MIKEL Merino says he is ready to grasp his chance of being a hit in the Premier League with Newcastle United.

Having starred in La Liga with Osasuna before having a small taste of life in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, Merino now faces up to the challenge of another heavyweight division in the shape of the English top flight.

After completing his move from Dortmund, Merino said: “For me being in the Premier League is a really important factor in being here.

“It is one of the greatest leagues in the world.

“There are a lot of very good teams and stadiums and everything about it.

“For me, it was really important and I cannot wait to start.

“I am good enough to play in this league because I am really strong and really fast.

“I also have the technical ability as well.”

Merino enjoyed his time at Dortmund and the experience of playing in front of the Yellow Wall in front of more than 80,000 at Signal Iduna Park.

Now he is looking ahead to playing at St James’ Park on a regular basis.

He added: “I am a lucky player because I have had two teams with a good crowd.

“I know Newcastle also have a good stadium with people always supporting the team.

“I cannot wait to be in the stadium and see how it looks.

“It is a really professional place and I am happy to be involved here.”

After just a handful of appearances for Dortmund, Merino is here with a point to prove.

He knows it is very much about performing for the team and ensuring step one of this season’s aims at United is taken care of.

He said: “I hope to have a great season with competitive matches and hope to improve as a player.

“I hope to stay in this league, the team has the potential, that will be the first step - then we will see what we can achieve.”