MIKEL MERINO dedicated his late Arsenal double to his wife Lola – after forgetting to buy her a Valentine’s Day present.
The Spaniard, 28, rose from the bench to net both of the Gunners’ goals in their 2-0 win at Leicester.
"I forgot to get my wife something for Valentine's Day, so this brace goes to her…" 🤣
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2025
Mikel Merino was impressed with his first outing as a striker for Arsenal, despite only finding out he would play there this morning 👏
🎙 @Becky_Ives_ | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/a77ad0130B
After the game, Merino made a cheeky admission while speaking to TNT Sports.
He told reporter Becky Ives: “It’s the first time in my career that I’ve played as a striker. The manager told me to use my strengths and I think I did that.”
On if he expects to play up top more, he added: “I don’t think so, to be honest.
“But it’s a good day to score because I forgot to give my wife a Valentine’s Day present, so I think she’ll appreciate this more than a rose or some chocolates.”
Seeing Merino’s interview, one fan joked: “Brother, you are in the doghouse.”
While a second joked: “How romantic.”
A third quipped: “Merino is so locked in he forgot to get his wife a valentine’s.”
Despite the makeshift forward’s double, Ethan Nwaneri was awarded TNT Sports’ player of the match award.
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On the 17-year-old, Merino added: “He’s an amazing player.
“Every time I do an interview, you guys ask me for him!
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreams” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6368701822112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“That’s natural because he is such a talent.
“He has such a wonderful left foot and he put the ball right on my head so that all I could do was score.”
Arsenal‘s win saw them reduce their deficit to Liverpool at the top of the table to four points.
Arne Slot‘s men will play their game in hand on Sunday, hosting Wolves at Anfield.
