Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino says it has been easy to adapt to life at his new club.
Merino, who was born in Pamplona, Spain, and came through the Osasuna academy, signed a five-year deal with the Bundesliga club earlier this year and has taken part in their preparations for the new season.
The 20-year-old, who speaks perfect English, says his team-mates and the club’s famous fans have helped make things as easy as possible as he gets used to his new surroundings.
“It’s a different country, it’s a different way of seeing things, but at the moment I am very happy because my team-mates are helping me as much as they can,” he told Goal.
“It’s a great club with a great coach and great team-mates so it’s easy to adapt to what the people want. I’m very happy to be part of this great team, I’m very proud.”
Merino is yet to play a competitive game at Signal Iduna Park but he is already up to speed on the club’s fan base, and says their exuberant backing helps spur the players on to new heights.
“They are awesome,” he told Goal. “I think they are the best fans in the world, they are always supporting the team, they are always with us in the good moments and the bad moments these last years.
“I think that this always helps the players to run more and play better, and this is one of the best parts of playing here, the fans and the support they give to us.”
Merino missed the decisive kick in the penalty shoot-out after Dortmund had drawn 1-1 with Manchester City in the International Champions Cup on Thursday.
But he says the competitive nature of the match will stand both clubs in good stead ahead of their respective campaigns.
“I think that it was a very competitive match between two great teams and two great clubs, and I think that we have played a great match, having the ball, with great intensity.
“I think that this is going to be good for us for the preparation for the league and for the Super Cup. I think that we are having a great pre-season and we have to continue this way.”
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