Mikel Merino has revealed that his signature goal celebration is actually a tribute to his father. The Spanish midfielder joined Arsenal last summer, and after a slow start, he has now settled in well at the Emirates. Initially, some critics questioned whether he could succeed in the Premier League.
However, Merino has found his form and has already scored multiple goals for the Gunners. Fans may have noticed that every time he scores, he performs the same unique celebration—running to the corner and circling the corner flag. This ritual has become his trademark, and now he has shared the reason behind it.
A Tribute to His Father
Merino’s father, Ángel Merino, was also a professional footballer who played for 17 years in Spain, representing clubs like Leganés, Las Palmas, and Osasuna. He had the same celebration, which he originally did as a tribute to Mikel’s grandmother.
After a match against Brentford, Merino explained to Sky Sports that he continues the tradition to honor his father:
“I’ve been doing this for a while. My father was a footballer too, and he used to do this celebration for my grandma. As a way to show respect and love for him, I do it as well. That’s how I celebrate my goals now.”
With his father having performed the celebration for years, it must be a proud moment for him to see his son carrying on the tradition at the highest levels of football, including the Premier League and the European Championship.
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