A former Arsenal and Barcelona hopeful has retired from football at the age of 34.
The midfielder made his way through the ranks at the LaLiga club before joining Arsenal’s academy aged 16.
He progressed to the first team, making 12 appearances over four years that included a loan move to Real Sociedad.
After leaving Arsenal, he continued his career in his homeland of Spain and became a bit of a journeyman, ending up with Lugo.
But, in a week where eyes have been on Arsenal’s academy stars, Francisco Merida has brought down the curtain on his career.
A former Arsenal and Barcelona hopeful has announced his retirement from football aged 34
The midfielder made his way through the ranks at Barcelona before joining the Gunners – pictured, playing for Espanyol
Francisco Merida made 12 appearances for Arsenal before controversially leaving for Spain
Merida signed professional terms with Arsenal after his 17th birthday in 2007 and made his competitive debut in September that year as a substitute in the League Cup.
Described my Arsene Wenger as ‘an absolutely amazing player’, he signed a long-term deal in 2008 and went on loan to Sociedad, who were relegated. Upon returning to north London, however, he made his Premier League debut at as 18-year-old.
Things went south, though , and Wenger slammed Atletico Madrid for their pursuit of his player before he joined the Spanish side on a free transfer.
He made just 12 appearances for Arsenal in total, and then 21 for Atletico. In 2012, he would join Hercules in the Spanish second division.
He found a home with Osasuna after joining the club in 2016, making 110 appearances in total, and also featured for Espanol and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger in China.
His final club was Lugo, who he joined in January, in the third tier of Spain, but he has now called it a day.
Merida was capped 16 times by Spain’s Under-21 team, and also featured at U-20, U-19 and U-17 level.
He once earned high praise from Arsene Wenger, who was left frustrated by his departure
He shared of his retirement: ’19 years ago I left home in pursuit of my dream and, just today, 17 years ago, I achieved it, on September 25, 2007. I have been privileged to have been able to live so many experiences thanks to the ball.
‘To all the people I have crossed paths with during these years in all the clubs, thank you very much. I especially want to remember my parents, thank you for always letting me be myself and being an unconditional support, also to my sister Sara, for accompanying me to play the best games in the streets of the neighborhood.
‘To Antonio Lopez, for looking after me like a brother, always being honest with me and helping me get up in my worst moment. To my wife Vanesa, for being the pillar of my life together with our daughters. And to you Grandpa, we did it. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
‘I’m starting new challenges.’
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