Arsenal Star Mikel Merino Admits He's 'Fortunate to Be Alive'
Merino said the empty seat may have spared him from shrapnel that injured teammates and a police officer in the 2017 bus bombing.
- Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino revealed that a last-minute seat change on the Borussia Dortmund team bus likely saved his life during an explosive attack in 2017 when he was 20 years old.
- Three bombs hidden in a hedge exploded as the bus passed, with shrapnel lodging in the headrest of the seat Merino usually occupied, while defender Marc Bartra suffered a broken wrist.
- "I think I have an angel on my shoulder," Merino told The Players' Tribune, adding he used the near-escape to spur him on because "things happen for a reason."
- Following a stress fracture in his right foot, the midfielder recovered to lift the World Cup with Spain five months later, fulfilling his determination to return.
- Determined to play "no matter what," Merino convinced Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Spain manager Luis de la Fuente to include him after proving fitness against Crystal Palace.
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How last-minute seat change saved my life in 2017 bus bombing– Merino
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino reveals how a last-minute seat change on the Borussia Dortmund team bus may have saved his life during a bomb attack in 201 Read More: https://punchng.com/how-last-minute-seat-change-saved-my-life-in-2017-bus-bombing-merino/
Mikel Merino sat on the BVB team bus, which became the target of an explosives attack in 2017. Now he remembers the event in a long letter. Only by a happy coincidence Merino remained unharmed.
The Spanish midfielder recalls the three explosions that shook the Borussia Dortmund bus in 2017 and reveals how a simple change of seat could save his life
It was Tuesday April 11th, 2017. 7 pm. The BVB professionals want to make their way to the Champions League quarter final against AS Monaco.
The star of Arsenal Michael Merino revealed how he saved his seat from the bombing of the Dortmond bus in 2017, and he saw details of a rare injury that nearly ended his career and deprived him of the 2026 World Cup, before returning and contributing to the coronation of Spain.
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