Mikel Merino will still be getting used to life at Arsenal following his arrival from Real Sociedad in the recent summer transfer window.
Mikel Merino’s career at the Emirates Stadium did not get off to a perfect start, as he sustained an injury in his first training session that delayed his debut.
The midfielder was finally able to make his Arsenal bow as a second half substitute against PSG in a Champions League clash. He then came off the bench again, against Southampton, in a Premier League fixture just before the international break.
Merino got some valuable game time with Spain this week, and impressed Arsenal fans with his performances on the international stage.
Mikel Arteta will be eager to have the 28-year-old starting matches for the Gunners very soon. There is an argument that Merino should start against Bournemouth on Saturday, as club captain Martin Odegaard remains sidelined with injury.
In any case, the Euro 2024 winner looks to be settling in well at the Emirates Stadium. However, there is still one initiation ritual that he is yet to undertake.
Mikel Merino makes admission about Arsenal initiation
It is traditional for new Arsenal signings to sing for the rest of their teammates and the coaching staff after their arrival at the club. This initiation ceremony serves as something of an ice-breaker and can lift spirits, helping a new face to feel more welcome.
However, in the latest episode of Colney Carpool on the official Arsenal YouTube channel, when asked what song he sang to the rest of the Arsenal squad, Merino had to come clean.
He confessed: “I haven’t done it yet, to be honest with you.”
He asked what he will sing when the time comes, Merino said: “I don’t know, I’ll have to think about it. An easy one, that the teammates can follow. The Macarena.”
Merino made to feel welcome at Arsenal
Despite not having yet completed his initiation duties, Merino has been warmly welcomed at Arsenal.
Along with fellow summer arrival Riccardo Calafiori, efforts have been made to make him feel at home at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta has cultivated a close-knit, family-like atmosphere within the Arsenal dressing room, and will trust his players to quickly make signings feel like part of the group.
It is vital that new arrivals are made to rapidly feel at home in this way, as it will help them to express themselves and feel confident on the pitch.
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