Mikel Merino 'misses Newcastle' after sudden departure | OneFootball

Mikel Merino admits he “misses a lot of things about Newcastle” after leaving for Real Sociedad last summer.

The 22-year-old a strange time on Tyneside, earning instant hero status before being marginalised and sold soon after the new year.

However, despite his sudden departure, Merino insists he will cherish many of the memories he earned with the club.

“Once I made the decision to leave Rafa called me,” he told the Chronicle. “We were not talking for too long but he wished me the best.

“I did the same and I still try to follow all the matches that Newcastle play. I’m still a Newcastle fan. I think I will always be one.

“It was tough. It was not an easy decision for me. I miss a lot of things from Newcastle and the way they treated me was pretty awesome because I felt almost like I was at home.”

“The city was really beautiful and the people there showed me a lot of love,” the Spaniard added. “Not only the league and the football but the culture and everything.

“I remember running back to our own half because we had to start the match again and listening to the whole stadium singing my song.

“It was amazing! I couldn’t help but smile a little bit because it is a memory that I will always remember.”

Merino has enjoyed a mixed campaign with Real Sociedad, starting just 11 games across all competitions this season.