A number of Newcastle United fans were all left wishing Mikel Merino good luck on social media after it was revealed the midfielder has returned home to Spain after just a year on Tyneside.
The club confirmed via their official website and Twitter account that the 22-year-old midfielder had completed his move to Real Sociedad, less than 12 months after he had arrived at St James’ Park on what was initially a loan move from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund.
?? Farewell, @mikelmerino1. The midfielder has completed a permanent move to @RealSociedadEN.
Full story: https://t.co/hj8L2riItL #NUFC pic.twitter.com/4U9FeRhYOb
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 12, 2018
The Spanish midfielder is joining a club which lies just 50 miles away from his home town of Pamplona, and a number of fans were left wishing him good luck as he heads back to Spain to continue his career.
This is Futbol has rounded up a selection of the supporters’ messages on Twitter.
Will miss Mickey but he’s too good to be sitting on the bench and I understand why he’s left. Good luck Mickey lad ?
— evan (@Evanfbird) July 12, 2018
Notice the details of how close to his hometown. Boys home sick, can’t be blamed, good luck #nufc
— Matt Guest (@Guesty22) July 12, 2018
Good luck to the lad, good prospect. Didn’t work out unfortunately
— A (@AzzurriMagpie) July 12, 2018
No hard feelings, we couldn't give him the game time he needs to become the player we can all see he could be. Disappointed to only get £10m for him but he needs to play. Good luck to him.
— Will Petit (@WilliamPetit1) July 12, 2018
Thank Christ, we need the money, good luck Mikel.
— ??SWAMPY???NUFC?? (@swampthing_71) July 12, 2018
All the best for the future.
— Simon (@LittleHenryD) July 12, 2018
Shame. But good luck
— Rick Sanchez (@RickittyRekd) July 12, 2018
Good luck to him
— Ger Doran (@GerDoran4) July 12, 2018
Opinion
Merino’s exit has obviously left some of the Newcastle faithful disappointed but most are simply wishing him all the best for his future endeavours. Being a 22-year-old away from your home country cannot be easy, and after time in Germany and England, he is finally back in Spain. It can be no coincidence that he is heading back to a club which is within such close proximity of his home town, and it could very well be that he turned down other offers to make to the move to Sociedad for that very reason. As for his Newcastle career, he could well end up being forgotten after such a short time at St James’ Park, but if he goes on the be a success, it will be tough to watch for the Toon Army.