Midfield maestro Mikel Merino has vowed to give ‘100%’ every week for the ‘incredible’ NUFC fans, claiming he will fight for the ball and aim to come off the pitch ‘exhausted’ every week to prove to the fans he has given his all.
The 21-year old has become an instant hit on Tyneside and said the following in an exclusive interview in Saturday’s matchday programme, explaining what he promises to give to the team and his adoring NUFC fans during his time at the club:
“You have to fight for the ball, defend, run. I love running. If I finish a match and I’m not exhausted, that means I haven’t given 100 per cent, and that would be wrong.
“It’s part of me, and it’s the way I understand football. You can be a really good player on the ball, but you have to compete yourself,”
I love this from Merino. His ability on the ball and elegance in midfield is there for all to see, but it’s his maturity and desire to give his all that make him seem such a well rounded player and professional.
He vows to ‘fight’, ‘defend’ and ‘run’ until he is exhausted, claiming it would be wrong to come off the pitch having given anything less than 100%.
THIS is exactly the type of player we need. Merino appears to be a perfect fit for Rafa Benitez and the the new breed of player at Newcastle United – one who offers quality on the ball, but just as much off it. No more passengers or mercenaries, just players who respect that badge, ready to give their all for Newcastle United.
This kid is the real deal, a dynamo on the field with a great engine and will to win. Rafa will get the best out of this guy, i just hope Ashley isn’t sitting going kerching. With Merinoi and Shelley in the middle and a top goal scorer upfront we could actually do ok in the EPL, we will not set the world alight just yet but improvement is improvement. Bed a good squad in as we are and add quality when we can and we will be moving up the league table year on year. HWTLs in Rafa we trust
Richie Hall(Quote)