My dreams can come true here
MERINO AIMS TO EARN SPAIN CAP AS A TOON PLAYER
MIKEL Merino has insisted he is happy at Newcastle United and believes he can achieve his dream of playing for Spain by remaining in black-and-white.
The 21-year-old is rated highly by the Spanish FA and Merino is a regular in the Under-21 side for his country – harbouring dreams of playing at a World Cup one day.
He’d love to emulate World Cupwinning superstars he grew up watching, such as Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso, by playing for the full Spanish national side.
Merino was linked with a move back to Spain in January when Athletic Bilbao prepared a bid for the Toon midfielder.
However, Merino, who had no hesitation making a loan move from Borussia Dortmund to United permanent last year, is settled on Tyneside.
He told the Chronicle: “The dream is to play in a World Cup or the Euros with Spain.
“That’s the dream for anybody in the Under21s or Under-18s or the categories below.
“It’s the dream and the hope for me too.
“And I hope one day I am the one to be there. “I know it’s going to be really difficult because it’s only the best of the best get there in the Spanish national team because it’s one of the best teams in the world. “I hope that one day that if things go well and I am at the right level I will be there. “It would be great if that Spanish cap comes when I am a Newcastle United player. “I know I am at a great club and Newcastle is a great place too.
“This is a great scenario to show everybody what I can do.
“If I am able to play for Newcastle and Spain at senior level that will be great.”
This week Merino will hope to catch the eye for Spain’s Under-21 side against Northern Ireland and then Estonia. Merino seems to be a patient player and is looking to earn his chance to play for the seniors. He said: “I am always pleased and really proud to be called up to the national team. “It’s an honour for me to represent the country at Under-21 level. “Of course, joining up with my friends and
The weather may be cold but the Geordie people are very warm. They make it a warm city Mikel Merino
playing that level of football that I enjoy and love means a lot to me.”
Merino will link up with Newcastle again next week as he recommences the battle to find a way past Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame in the United midfield.
Merino got a valuable 90 minutes in the tank during the 1-1 friendly draw with Royal Antwerp last week and will top that up with international minutes for Spain Under-21s.
But with his injury issues now behind him, he revealed he is also feeling settled and at home on Tyneside off the field.
He said: “Of course, you are always going to need time to adapt.
“It’s a new country, a new style of football, and I am learning a lot of things.
“I am learning things about life at the moment – not just football.
“I’m in England and I am learning a lot.
“I am improving my skills as a person and human being as well, not just a footballer.
“I am really happy for that and it’s different from Spain.
“And it’s a bigger difference from being in Germany.
“Germany and England are both cold places, there’s not too much sun in the winter.”
Yet Merino spoke fondly of the people on Tyneside and how they’d helped make him feel so welcome in the last few months.
He said: “Newcastle people are awesome and really kind to me. “I am enjoying the city. “It’s different for me as I am used to seeing more sun, eating different food, and it is hard to live without the things you are used to.
“But I think I am used to living in Newcastle and enjoy it.
“The weather may be cold but the Geordie people are very warm. “They make it a warm city. “That is the great thing about Newcastle, the people are so kind you don’t even know it has dipped beneath three degrees!”
Merino also spoke of his passion for the region and how he loves the fact that St James’ Park – known as the cathedral on the hill to some observers – dominates the skyline of a true football city.
Merino reflected: “It is amazing to see the stadium in the middle of the city.
“That’s great because the stadium is so big everybody can go on a match day and it’s always full. “But it’s a beautiful thing to see. “If you go out for a hot drink or meet friends, wherever you go in the city you look up and see St James’ Park. It’s a lovely city and the city gives a lot of love back to the players.
“I am happy to live here.
“Sometimes the Geordie people recognise me when I am in the city and they always have nice words for me.
“It’s lovely to have this type of affection.
“It has helped me and my teammates to carry on and it makes it easier to work here.”