Sociedad boss 'proud' of Arsenal-bound Merino's 'big step'

Real Sociedad head coach Imanol Alguacil confirmed that midfielder Mikel Merino will leave the club

Transcript

00:00Like I said, it's the last one. I understand that he deserves a few words of farewell from me, but that's it.

00:11I want to thank him for everything he has given me, for everything he has given the team, for everything he has given the club.

00:20He's a 22-year-old kid who hasn't been born yet. Six incredible years, a brutal growth.

00:29He's an example for all the players at Real Sociedad, for all the signings.

00:35I'm very happy that Merino isn't here, and I'll sum it up very simply.

00:42I'm also very proud that Merino has taken this important step.

00:48That speaks very well of Real Sociedad, of the work we've done and, above all, of him.

00:53He came at 22, he's leaving at 28. He's a player like the cup of a pine tree.

01:02He's given us performance, he's helped the team grow.

01:08We've won a cup with him, five European qualifiers, a Champions League last year, and he's left us with over 30 million.

01:18This is the type of signing we want. Thank you, and let's get another Merino.