Merida - It was an honour to join first team
By Matt Fortune
Missing a penalty in a major tournament final is the stuff of nightmares for any seasoned professional, let alone a teenager.
Spanish star Fran Merida unfortunately suffered such a fate at the recent Under-17s World Cup, a tournament where he was one of the stand-out talents. However he has responded by showing strength of character far beyond his years.
In the last five months we were champions of Europe, and then second in the World Cup, he told Arsenal.com. It was a good result but I still have that thing inside me, after missing a penalty, but I am happy because the whole experience was invaluable.
Playing against the top-level players from the other countries makes you learn lots more about your game. There were plenty of different things which can only help us develop as players.
Less than three weeks after that night in Malaysia, a sold-out Emirates Stadium crowd witnessed the midfielders first competitive appearance in an Arsenal shirt during the 2-0 Carling Cup win against Newcastle.
It was an excellent experience, said Merida. We see them [the first-team] play every week, and when you get to actually mix with them and have the possibility to come on, its an honour and you feel very happy.
I came on just for two or three minutes but it is still an excellent feeling and I was so happy.
The Spaniard hopes that his cameo appearance is not his only opportunity to play under Arsène Wenger.
Its good to always be thinking about it, and aiming for the Carling Cup squad. The boss likes to bring some of us boys through into the first team, and we must work hard in order to prove we are ready for that level.
[ Monday, October 15, 2007]
