Speaking to The Chronicle, former Mag Mikel Merino discussed how “amazed” he was by Jonjo Shelvey’s ability on the ball – also admitting he was disappointed to leave Tyneside so soon after his arrival.
The Spaniard spent one season at the club – our first year back in the Premier League – after making his loan move from Borussia Dortmund permanent.
During his time here, Merino was clearly infatuated with the technical ability of his teammate Jonjo Shelvey, citing his long passing range and footballing intelligence as his greatest attributes.
He also credited his current success – earning 11 caps for his country and winning the Copa Del Rey – to some of the training battles he had against Shelvey, due to his ‘aggressive’ play that appears to have toughened him up.
“I was so amazed by his ability to play long passes, the way he would shoot from outside the box and everything about how he used to play because he’s not a really fast or physical player, but he’s so smart.”
“Jonjo can compete a lot so it was a good year and I learned a lot in training when I had to compete against him and give my all.
“He’s a very aggressive player so it was a year where not only him but the whole team taught me how to be a tough man.”
Merino only managed 24 games in the Premier League yet became something of a cult hero to Newcastle fans and said he ‘felt at home’ in the North East.
The 25-year-old was comfortable here with his teammates, the fans and the people of the city, so he was ultimately disappointed that his time was so short.
However, even now he keeps an eye on how the team are doing and still ‘gets goosebumps’ when thinking back on the thousands of loyal fans who travelled around the country to support their team.
“I felt at home there and I’m not lying when I say that.
“I felt so welcome by the fans, by my team-mates, by the atmosphere.
“The city was amazing. I was enjoying just going to the city centre and having a pint or going for a walk and enjoying the people speaking nicely to you. I was feeling great
“I look back on those times and it was a shame I could not play more games and enjoy the fans and the league a little bit more, but my mindset right now is it was a huge year for me. I learned a lot.
“I’m really sure I’m the player that I am now because of Newcastle and all the experiences that I lived there. I’m really happy that I lived that and I wish all the best for every Newcastle fan.
“The team right now are killing it so I’m really happy for them. Even now, when I watch the games and you see over 3,000 people travelling for an away game – it’s crazy! You start to remember those times when you were playing away and you felt like you were playing at St James’ Park.
“I still get goosebumps. It was a crazy year for me. I miss those days a little bit, but I’m really happy where I am right now.”
Would have him back great player.
Keith+wilson(Quote)