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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
04-Feb-2012 6:57:36 AM
By Luis Mira
Atletico Madrid midfielder Fran Merida has announced that he is keen to prove his worth at the club.
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.
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.
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