Former Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino has spoken openly about his time at St. James' Park, and believes his time on Tyneside has made him into the midfielder he is today.
The Magpies signed Merino initially on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund in July 2017, but the move was made permanent in October, with the Spaniard signing a five-year deal under Rafael Benitez.
But just 24 appearances and one goal during that season was enough to see his two-year stay away from Spain end, as he returned to his homeland with Real Sociedad, signing a five-year deal and becoming a regular in La Liga, even winning the Copa Del Ray in 2020 against Athletic Bilbao.
.jpg?w=600)
