'I'm fortunate to be alive' – Merino recalls Dortmund bus attack

Mikel Merino, the Arsenal midfielder, believes a last-minute change of seats on Dortmund's team bus in 2017 ultimately saved his life during a bomb attack. The incident occurred when three explosives detonated during Dortmund's journey to their home Champions League semi-final against Monaco. Merino, who was 20 at the time, moved seats because of tight legs, potentially avoiding fatal injury.

The attack left a lasting impression on the midfielder, who recounted the harrowing scenes inside the bus, including physical and emotional trauma. After the incident, Merino underwent hospital treatment for his teammate Marc Bartra, who suffered a broken wrist. The Champions League match against Monaco was postponed, attracting criticism from Dortmund's manager Thomas Tuchel.

Serbian convict Sergei Wenergold was jailed in 2018 for the attack. Merino's interview, which included his account of the incident, described his recovery from a stress fracture in his right foot and his determination to make Spain's World Cup squad five months later. The midfielder suffered the foot injury in February, with doctors initially warning of a six-month recovery period.

Merino's World Cup hopes were threatened, but he drew motivation from his survival of the Dortmund attack, reflecting on the belief that "things happen for a reason." Determined to play in the 2022 World Cup, Merino returned to action after limited recovery time, impressing Spain's national team coach Luis de la Fuente at Arsenal's final league match against Crystal Palace.

His appearance against Palace provided the opportunity to prove his fitness, ultimately leading to his inclusion in Spain's World Cup squad.