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Mikel Merino is one of the great stars of Real Sociedad. Together with Martin Ødegaard, he was a key player for much of last season, ensuring that Real Sociedad ended up with a ticket to Europe.
But now the successful duo is separated: Although the initial plan was for Martin Ødegaard to spend two seasons at Real Sociedad, Real Madrid this summer chose to bring the Norwegian back to the Spanish capital.
Mikel Merino fell heavily on his chest. When rumors about Ødegaard’s return to Madrid began to circulate, he took matters into his own hands and sent a friendly “threat”.
Mikel Merino and Martin Ødegaard. Photo: Alvaro Barrientos
– I sent him some messages before he decided on the future. I told him that the more time he spends with me, the better it is for him. Because if he doesn’t, I’ll kick him so hard that he won’t be able to play football again, says Mikel Merino on TV 2.
There is no doubt that the “threat” was friendly. Merino and Ødegaard developed a good relationship and were wardrobe neighbors at Real Sociedad.
On Saturday, Merino may have a chance to take his threat seriously, if Martin Ødegaard finds a place in the Real Madrid squad that will open the season against Real Sociedad.
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– A pity that you can not get the tribute of the audience.
At the moment, it is doubtful that Ødegaard has been declared healthy for the settlement. Lysluggen has struggled with knee pain and a minor illness in the run-up to the season, and the question is whether Real Madrid feel ready to contribute.
In any case, Mikel Merino hopes to have the opportunity. And he is convinced that Ødegaard will be received with open arms in San Sebastián.
– I think it is a shame that the fans cannot be present in such a match because Martin would have a fantastic welcome. He’s a good boy, everyone loved him. Not just teammates and support staff. They all knew he was a good guy. So if you come back here, it will be wonderful. You will get a big hug from me, says Merino.
However, he does not hide that he is a bit surprised that he is not yet a teammate of the Norwegian.
– I’m not going to lie to you: I’m a bit surprised. And a little disappointed. Because Martin was an important piece for the team. In addition, we had a good relationship both on and off the field, playing with him was very easy. So I thought he would stay here one more year, but at the same time Martin has to choose his own future. I think he will do well there. He will have fantastic players around him and that will suit him, Merino believes.
The 24-year-old has tried his luck at both Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle, but is now back at Real Sociedad, where he signed a new long-term contract this summer.
– Do you think Ødegaard will be a success at Real Madrid?
– I think so. You cannot say things one hundred percent for sure in football, because football is a complex thing. But he’s hard-working and has the skills. But then it depends on the opportunities you have, how you play in teams with your teammates and things like that. But I think it has everything you need, says Merino.
I think the replacement of Ødegaard will lift the team
While Real Madrid’s first game of the season kicks off this weekend, Real Sociedad opened with a draw against Valladolid last weekend.
It was without Ødegaard’s replacement, David Silva, on the roster.
Although Martín Ødegaard had a big star at Real Sociedad, the expectations for the former Manchester City star are huge before returning to Spain.
– I think it will have a great influence on us. He has extensive experience after playing at the highest level for so many years. Especially since we are such a young team, I think it will be important. Not least, he plays in an important position for us, the one Martín had when he was here, says Merino.
– Isn’t there a bad replacement for Martin?
– No, at first it was sad that Martín left us, but when Real Sociedad get a player like David Silva after everything he has done, then you know that things will work out, says Merino.
Despite the fact that “La Real” – as the team is called – lifted at the end of the season and saved the Europa League ticket, the last third of the season was very disappointing. On a table after the Korona break, Real Sociedad would finish in 15th place.
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Still: Mikel Merino believes that Real Sociedad fans have more to look forward to this year.
– It was difficult for us after the breaking of the crown. I think we have a team of players who need the support of the stands and the aggressiveness they bring. But I think we finally adjusted to that part of football, and the end of the season was good. The last five games meant we reached our goals. I feel like we’ve become a better team than last year and our goal is to join Europe again, he says.
The first challenge is Real Madrid and perhaps Martin Ødegaard at home on Sunday.
– These are the kind of games you live for as a soccer player. When you play against big clubs, the level improves because you get motivation to play against the best players in the world. And here at home in Anoeta we fear no one, although we would very much like to have the local fans behind us, says Mikel Merino.
