Arsenal have players hailing from several different countries.
Mikel Arteta’s men are among the best teams in the world, so those who represent them are mostly top-class players as well.
Many of them will even go to the World Cup across the pond this summer, where they will hope to fly their countries’ flags high.
Two such players are Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, but their country’s manager isn’t too happy to see them play for Arsenal.
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Spain manager Luis de la Fuente says he’s angry that Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino play in the Premier League
Luis de la Fuente is a phenomenal manager.
The 64-year-old led Spain to the European championships in 2024, and they are among the favourites to win the World Cup as well.
Merino and Zubimendi will both be key players for De la Fuente this summer, even if they aren’t guaranteed starters.
However, the La Roja boss is not the biggest fan of the two players playing for Arsenal in England instead of for clubs in Spain.
He said in an interview with Mario Suarez: “It sometimes makes me a little angry that players like Fabian Ruiz, like Martín Zubimendi, like Mikel Merino, like others who have had to go play abroad.
“I say, ‘How come these players aren’t in the Spanish League?’
“But these were players who, when it came to investing in them, were affordable. They weren’t paid, and more exorbitant amounts were paid for other players who aren’t half as good.”
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Luis de la Fuente has a point but he should be happy that five Spanish players play for Arsenal
De la Fuente is right to point out how La Liga clubs treat many of their own players, but going abroad is not a bad thing, especially to England.
Rodri left Spain, moved to the Premier League and then became the best midfielder in the world. He won the Ballon d’Or too.
David Raya, Zubimendi, Merino, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga have all come to Arsenal and become Premier League champions.
Their level has gone to a whole new level, and that should please De La Fuente, because it benefits the Spanish national team as well.
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