@breaking_footballnews: 🚨Mikel Merino on being handed the captain’s armband by Martin Ødegaard after coming on for Arsenal against Leeds United: 🎙️ Reporter: “Mikel, when you came on and Martin Ødegaard handed you the captain’s armband, you looked a little confused. What happened?” 🗣️ Mikel Merino: “Honestly, I was surprised for two reasons. First, I was surprised to come on as a substitute because, at this stage, I feel I should be starting more games. I work hard in training, I know what I can bring to this team, and naturally, every player wants to be on the pitch from the beginning. But football is football. The manager makes his decisions, and you have to respect them. My responsibility is to be ready whenever the team needs me, whether that’s for 90 minutes or the final 20. Then I came on, and Martin handed me the armband. He said, ‘Here, Mikel, you can wear this.’ I looked at him because I wasn’t expecting it. Bukayo Saka was already on the pitch, so I was thinking, ‘Wait a minute, why am I being given the armband? Am I supposed to be the captain now?’ [ Laughs ] I was genuinely confused. I even looked around to see if somebody would explain what was happening, but nobody really said anything. So I thought, ‘Okay, perhaps Martin wants me to take it,’ and I put it on. Of course, it’s an honour. When a teammate gives you the captain’s armband, you understand that there is trust involved. It means something, and I would never disrespect that responsibility. But if you ask me honestly, I would rather start the game than come on and wear the armband. I want to be on the pitch helping the team from the first minute. I want to influence the game, contribute to our attacking play and show the manager why I deserve to start more regularly. I didn’t join Arsenal just to be happy with whatever minutes I receive. I came here to compete, to improve and to help this club win trophies. That doesn’t mean I’m unhappy with my teammates or that I don’t respect the manager’s decisions. Not at all. We have a strong squad, and competition is part of playing for a club like Arsenal. But every footballer has ambition. Mine is to play more, contribute more and become an important part of this team. As for the armband, I was happy to wear it. Martin is our captain, and I respect him enormously. Perhaps he simply wanted me to take on that responsibility when I came onto the pitch. And after everything we went through against Leeds, the most important thing was getting the victory. Coming back from a difficult position and winning that game showed the character we have in this dressing room. But next time, if Martin wants to give me the armband, I’ll gladly take it. Just tell Mikel Arteta to give me a starting place as well! Because wearing the captain’s armband is a privilege, but for me, there is nothing better than hearing your name in the starting eleven and having the chance to help Arsenal win from the very first minute.”#arsenalvsleeds #footballupdates #footballupdates #football

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Saturday 10 October 2026 15:50:58 GMT