After completing a £10m move to Real Sociedad this afternoon, former midfielder Mikel Merino has thanked the ‘toon family’ for an experience he will ‘never forget’ at Newcastle United – but this has not gone down too well with several NUFC fans.
It’s the done thing for players to post ‘goodbyes’ on social media these days, but quite a few fans aren’t all that impressed with this one – and I can see why.
The cheap release clause he insisted on before signing (just £10m) and his unwillingness to fight for his place when the going got tough is disappointing, making us wonder if his heart was ever really in it at NUFC. Were we just a stepping stone after all?
Here’s what he’s posted on his personal Instagram account and some responses from NUFC fans as a result:
“Thank you very much for this amazing year to all the toon family.
“Massive experience that I’ll never forget.
“Thanks to the outstanding fans, who made me feel at home.
“All the best for the future and Howay the lads!”
Merino always came across well, but his words haven’t always matched his actions – and that’s a tough one to take for us fans.
It’s been a strange old year for Merino. He looked like an incredible signing upon his arrival and has undoubted talent, but something wasn’t quite right with him him after a few reoccurring injuries and a subsequent dip in form.
His head had clearly been turned, with him being linked with a move back to Spain more than he was playing minutes on the pitch during 2018.
A move felt inevitable and it’s now been confirmed, with him signing a five-year deal with mid-table La Liga side Real Sociedad.
Really???
The lad is not from Newcastle, in fact not even from England, so want to do the best for himself.
NUFC was his employer, and he politely said goodbye and thanks…Get over it..
BillytheFish(Quote)
So you think it’s normal to demand a low release clause (he wasn’t going to sign if we couldn’t include that in his contract) and jump ship the first time the going gets tough?
Good luck to him, but it’s not what I want to see from NUFC players.
Look at Diame in comparison – was slated, boo’d, jeered and way out of form but he dug in. Merino’s heart clearly wasn’t in it.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
better noff without cunts like you
lick my ball sack ashley(Quote)
What an overrated player he turned out to be. His entire career is self absorbed, insisting clauses in his contract so if he’s simply not good enough – as was the case in Germany and here – he throws his toys out the pram and moves on, hoping to find somewhere he is deemed good enough.
You fight for your place in any team and he has no fight in him.
You wish him all the luck you want, I’m happy he’s out of our club because his attitude is the complete opposite of the rest of the squad. On your bike pal. Maybe the PL was too much of a step up, I hear Sunlun are, looking for players.
Bobbybee(Quote)
Bobby, good luck to him, but he clearly wasn’t planning to stay long. Sending him to the League 1 strugglers is a bit harsh, though!
Toontaff(Quote)