Midfielder Fran Merida was once described by Arsène Wenger as “an absolutely amazing player” before he began his loan spell at Real Sociedad in 2007. By 2010, however, he had departed the club for Atlético Madrid and now plies his trade in the Spanish second division with Huesca. While Merida notes that his Huesca move was the correct one – having joined the club in 2014 – he also admits that leaving the Emirates was a mistake.
In an extensive conversation with Yahoo Sport, Merida explained his decision to leave the Gunners.
It was a mistake, I wasn’t patient. I realise that now, but I’ve never been a patient person. I had some opportunities but the competition was high. Arsenal bought Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere into the first-team. Nasri, Fabregas, Rosicky and Denilson were also in my position. It was difficult for me.
In addition to the stiff competition for spots and his own impatience, Merida also revealed that the lure of his boyhood club and a long-term contract were too much to resist.
I thought hard about the offer. They offered me a four-year contract and I still felt that I wasn’t going to play every week at Arsenal. I said goodbye.
Since his failed spell at Atlético Madrid, Merida has bounced around the Iberian Peninsula and even spent a year in Brazil before seemingly finding peace and contentment at Huesca.
Huesca was the best place for me. I wasn’t looking for money. I’m not a guy who spends a lot. I bought a car in 2009 and I still have the same car. I just wanted to play a good level of football every week with a friendly club.
Merida made 21 appearances for Huesca last season, scoring a single goal and helping the club achieve promotion from the third tier of Spanish football to the second. This season, he has made 9 appearances but has yet to put his name on the scoresheet for the 15th place club.
