'I'm fortunate to be alive' - Merino relives bus attack

Mikel Merino reflects on the 2017 Borussia Dortmund bus attack

The full report

Mikel Merino, an Arsenal midfielder, has spoken about a near-fatal incident that occurred during his time at Borussia Dortmund in 2017. According to BBC Sport, Merino was 20 years old when the team's bus was hit by explosives on its way to a Champions League semi-final against Monaco.

The incident occurred when three bombs filled with metal pins exploded as the bus passed by a hedge. A huge piece of shrapnel ended up lodged in the headrest of the seat Merino usually occupied, but he had opted to sit elsewhere due to discomfort in his legs.

Merino's decision to change seats may have saved his life, as he stated in an interview with The Players' Tribune. He recalled the incident, saying, 'The seats in the front reclined so I sat up there instead, and it may have saved my life.'

The attack had a profound impact on Merino and his teammates. He described the scene, saying, 'There was a deafening noise, and then I remember the bus nearly tipping over.' Merino also recalled seeing blood on the floor, the smell of smoke, and the sound of screams.

The match against Monaco was postponed until the following day, which was criticized by Dortmund's manager, Thomas Tuchel. Sergei Wenergold, a German of Russian origin, was later sent to prison in 2018 after admitting to the attack.

Merino's comments were part of a wider interview that detailed his remarkable comeback from a stress fracture in his right foot. He lifted the World Cup with Spain just five months after being told he would be out for six months.