Former Arsenal youngster Fran Merida vows to prove his worth at Atletico Madrid

The Spanish midfielder is determined to become an influential member in the squad, but has warned that it will take him some time to return to match fitness

4 Feb 2012 09:20:00

By Luis Mira

More On :  Atlético de Madrid, Fran Mérida
Fran Merida, Atletico Madrid (Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid midfielder Fran Merida has announced that he is keen to prove his worth at the club.
Don't Miss

The Vicente Calderon outfit decided to recall the 21-year-old from his loan spell at Sporting Braga on Tuesday after he had failed to make his mark at the Portuguese club in the first half of the season.

"I am happy because after being half-a-year out I was given an opportunity here," he told a press conference.

"I am very eager to work and to fit in the group, and learn the mentality which coach Diego Simeone has implemented.

"I hope to be 100 per cent fit in two weeks' time because I have not competed in a month. I hope to have continuity, get playing time and work to be one more option for the coach."

Merida, a Spain Under-21 international, joined Atletico from Arsenal in 2010 after five years at the North London club.

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Live!
England 1-0 Belgium, Netherlands 6-0 Northern Ireland - follow all the international action LIVE! ahead of Euro 2012
With countries across the continent gearing up for their final warm-up games ahead of Euro 2012, join us for all the action from Saturday's friendlies. Get in touch with us via Twitter with your reaction.

Hosted by Joe Doyle
21:38 BST
And it's now 3-1 to Turkey! An own goal from Pepe and we're into time added on. Do people think Portugal will qualify from their group?
21:34 BST
Into the final few minutes with Portugal still 2-1 down to Turkey. Cristiano Ronaldo missed his second ever penalty for Portugal earlier on.
21:12 BST
Elsewhere in Europe, Portugal are currently losing at home to Turkey. Not looking good for them at the Euros!
21:03 BST
As promised, here is the match report on Netherlands 6-0 Northern Ireland.
21:00 BST
And here's more from Roy Hodgson on the injury concerns in the England squad.
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line

    England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012

  2. The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution

    The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market

  3. Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job

    The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday

  4. Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms

    The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield

  5. The definitive timeline of FSG's hunt for new manager The definitive timeline of FSG's hunt for new manager

    Kenny Dalglish's sacking at the end of the season sparked a massive hunt for the next Anfield boss, and the former Swansea man has been chosen after several turned the job down