Fran Mérida
Encyclopedia
Francisco "Fran" Mérida Pérez (born 4 March 1990 in Barcelona
, Catalonia
) is a Spanish
footballer who plays for Braga
on a loan from Atlético Madrid as a midfielder
.
at the age of eight but left the club in September 2005 and was reportedly hidden away by his agent, Joseba Díaz leading to speculation that he would leave for England with no compensation for the Spanish club. Fran Mérida's parents had become uneasy about all the young players joining Barcelona and felt that youngster would have a better chance elsewhere. Therefore, they approached Díaz, also Cesc Fàbregas
' agent, and he promptly alerted Real Madrid
, Milan
, and Arsenal
. Barcelona's fears were realized when Mérida joined Arsenal without compensation, as he had not signed a contract with Barcelona.
as compensation for his "failing to meet the terms of a personal pre-contract" with Barcelona. The decision was said to have serious implications for clubs in England, where players can sign professional contracts at 17, one year earlier than in Spain. In response, a Madrid-based lawyer, Rodrigo García, was quoted as saying, "English teams will now think again before signing a young Spanish player ... It's an important ruling."
in August 2006. His competitive first-team debut came on 25 September 2007, when he came on as a 91st minute substitute in Arsenal's 2–0 victory over Newcastle
in the League Cup
third round, and he made further substitute's appearances in a 3–0 win against Sheffield United
in the fourth round, and a 3–2 win against Blackburn Rovers
in the quarter-finals. On 3 April 2008, Mérida extended his deal with Arsenal by signing a long-term (unspecified) contract, securing his future with Arsenal. He was expected to play an important role in the future as manager Arsène Wenger
described him as "an absolutely amazing player". He scored his first goal for the club against Liverpool in the Carling cup.
club Real Sociedad
, claimed he agreed a loan deal with Arsenal for Mérida till the end of the Segunda División
season. Badiola became Real Sociedad president on 4 January and Mérida's loan to Real Sociedad was confirmed five days later. He made 17 appearances during the loan, scoring once while being credited with six assists.
on November 2008 in which Arsenal won the game 3–0, with Mérida playing the whole match. On 2 March 2009, Arsène Wenger heaped praise on Fran, claiming the reason for him making the bench for the previous few first team games is because "He has been doing very, very well. He looks really good in training and is getting stronger all the time." Mérida made his Premier League debut, coming off the bench for Samir Nasri
with just 8 minutes to go in the 3–1 win at West Brom, hours before his 19th birthday. Mérida also finished the season by coming off the bench against Portsmouth.
2009. He came off the bench for Aaron Ramsey
in the 67th minute in Arsenal's first match against Atlético Madrid and he started and created a goal for Eduardo
against Rangers
. Arsenal then went on to win the match 3–0 and regain the Emirates Cup
. He was then included in Arsenal's first team for the season and handed shirt number 46 and subsequently came on in the 70th minute against Portsmouth
in Arsenal's second Premier League match of the season. He was then upgraded to shirt number 32, formerly worn by Theo Walcott
. In a Carling Cup game against Liverpool F.C, Mérida scored from the edge of the area, hitting the post on its way past Liverpool F.C goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri
. After the game, Arsène Wenger
confirmed how Mérida was close to joining Levante
on loan at the start of the season, but changed his mind at the last minute because he had "too much quality" to let him leave for a season.
With Mérida's contract due to expire in June 2010,he said he was having talks with the club over a new deal and hoped they could come to an agreement, while Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo
showed his interest in bringing the youngster back to Spain if something isn't worked out between player and club.
On November 5, Arsenal confirmed that Mérida had verbally agreed a deal with the club, but it had yet to be signed.
Arsène Wenger
then accused Atletico of tapping up Mérida after announcing their public interest of talking to the youngster, saying "I can't say I'm annoyed by other clubs going after our players because we do it as well. But we do it legally." "The difference is that we do not do what is not allowed by the law. We try to get the best players everywhere when it is allowed by the rules."
Mérida played against West Ham
in the FA Cup which Arsenal won 2–1. On 17 January 2010 he came on as a 62nd minute substitute for Craig Eastmond
and scored in the 77th minute of Arsenal's 2–0 victory over Bolton Wanderers – his first Premier League goal for Arsenal.
on a free transfer after refusing Arsenal's contract offer at the end of the season. He scored his first Atlético goal on October 27 in a 5-0 Copa del Rey
win against Universidad Las Palmas
. On December 16, Mérida scored with his first touch in a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
. It was his third goal for the club, but could not prevent Atlético from exiting the Europa League.
, which won the 2007
UEFA U-17 Championships. In July 2007, he also played for the Spain U-17 squad in the 2007
FIFA U-17 World Cup
in South Korea
but, they finished runners up, losing to a dominant Nigeria
in a penalty shootout, with Mérida missing the second penalty of the three taken.
Mérida was called up to the Spanish squad
and took part in the 2009 U-20 World Cup
held in Egypt
during September and October 2009. He starred in an 8–0 drubbing of Tahiti
, scoring the fifth goal and providing an assist. In the next group game he continued his fine form and scored 2 goals in a 2–0 win for Spain over Nigeria
. Mérida was rested for the final group game against Venezuela
, in which Spain won 3–0. He played 76 minutes in Spain's last 16 tie with Italy where they were knocked out of the competition.
, currently playing for RCD Espanyol, is also a football player.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after Madrid, and the capital of Catalonia, with a population of 1,621,537 within its administrative limits on a land area of...
, Catalonia
Catalonia
Catalonia is an autonomous community in northeastern Spain, with the official status of a "nationality" of Spain. Catalonia comprises four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. Its capital and largest city is Barcelona. Catalonia covers an area of 32,114 km² and has an...
) is a Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
footballer who plays for Braga
SC Braga
Sporting Clube de Braga , commonly known as Sporting de Braga or just Braga, is a Portuguese sports club, from the city of Braga. Its football team plays at the AXA Stadium, also known as The Quarry, which was built for UEFA Euro 2004...
on a loan from Atlético Madrid as a midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
.
Playing style
A diminutive but strong player with plenty of energy, Fran is a technically gifted left-footed playmaker who is capable to perform either on the wing or behind the striker. His best attributes are passing, ball control and set-pieces.Barcelona
Mérida joined the youth ranks of FC BarcelonaFC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
at the age of eight but left the club in September 2005 and was reportedly hidden away by his agent, Joseba Díaz leading to speculation that he would leave for England with no compensation for the Spanish club. Fran Mérida's parents had become uneasy about all the young players joining Barcelona and felt that youngster would have a better chance elsewhere. Therefore, they approached Díaz, also Cesc Fàbregas
Cesc Fàbregas
Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas i Soler is a Spanish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for La Liga club FC Barcelona.Fàbregas started his career as a trainee with Barcelona but was signed by Premier League side Arsenal in September 2003 at the age of 16...
' agent, and he promptly alerted Real Madrid
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
, Milan
A.C. Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
, and Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
. Barcelona's fears were realized when Mérida joined Arsenal without compensation, as he had not signed a contract with Barcelona.
Contract controversy
On 9 October 2007, Mérida was ordered by the courts to pay a fee around €3.2m to FC BarcelonaFC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
as compensation for his "failing to meet the terms of a personal pre-contract" with Barcelona. The decision was said to have serious implications for clubs in England, where players can sign professional contracts at 17, one year earlier than in Spain. In response, a Madrid-based lawyer, Rodrigo García, was quoted as saying, "English teams will now think again before signing a young Spanish player ... It's an important ruling."
Arsenal
He signed professional terms with Arsenal after his 17th birthday. He scored on his first team debut for Arsenal in a friendly against Boreham WoodBoreham Wood F.C.
Boreham Wood F.C. are a football club based in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, at Meadow Park football ground. They were established in 1948, and have reached the FA Cup 2nd Round proper twice in their history. For 2011-12 they will play in Conference South...
in August 2006. His competitive first-team debut came on 25 September 2007, when he came on as a 91st minute substitute in Arsenal's 2–0 victory over Newcastle
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
in the League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
third round, and he made further substitute's appearances in a 3–0 win against Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
in the fourth round, and a 3–2 win against Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
in the quarter-finals. On 3 April 2008, Mérida extended his deal with Arsenal by signing a long-term (unspecified) contract, securing his future with Arsenal. He was expected to play an important role in the future as manager Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger, OBE is a French association football manager and former player, who has managed English Premier League side Arsenal since 1996...
described him as "an absolutely amazing player". He scored his first goal for the club against Liverpool in the Carling cup.
Loan to Real Sociedad
On 27 December 2007, Iñaki Badiola, then-prospective presidential candidate of the SpanishSpain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
club Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in the city of San Sebastián, Basque Country, founded on 7 September 1909...
, claimed he agreed a loan deal with Arsenal for Mérida till the end of the Segunda División
Segunda División
The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
season. Badiola became Real Sociedad president on 4 January and Mérida's loan to Real Sociedad was confirmed five days later. He made 17 appearances during the loan, scoring once while being credited with six assists.
Return to Arsenal
For the 08/09 season Mérida returned to Arsenal, he made his first start for Arsenal in a 6–0 win over Sheffield United in the League Cup on 23 September 2008. He started on the left wing for the League Cup home tie against Wigan AthleticWigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
on November 2008 in which Arsenal won the game 3–0, with Mérida playing the whole match. On 2 March 2009, Arsène Wenger heaped praise on Fran, claiming the reason for him making the bench for the previous few first team games is because "He has been doing very, very well. He looks really good in training and is getting stronger all the time." Mérida made his Premier League debut, coming off the bench for Samir Nasri
Samir Nasri
Samir Nasri is a French international footballer who plays for English club Manchester City in the Premier League and the France national team. He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder and a winger, although he has also been deployed in central midfield. Nasri is known for his technical...
with just 8 minutes to go in the 3–1 win at West Brom, hours before his 19th birthday. Mérida also finished the season by coming off the bench against Portsmouth.
2009-10 Season
Mérida returned from the 2009 UEFA U19 European Championships for the 2009/10 season and was named as a substitute in the Emirates CupEmirates Cup
The Emirates Cup is an annual two-day pre-season football tournament hosted by English Premier League club Arsenal and held at the Emirates Stadium, the club's home ground...
2009. He came off the bench for Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey
Aaron James Ramsey is a Welsh professional footballer who plays for the premier league club Arsenal and is the captain of the Wales national football team...
in the 67th minute in Arsenal's first match against Atlético Madrid and he started and created a goal for Eduardo
Eduardo da Silva
Eduardo Alves da Silva , commonly known as Eduardo, sometimes nicknamed as Dudu, is a Brazilian-born Croatian footballer who plays for Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk and the Croatia national team...
against Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
. Arsenal then went on to win the match 3–0 and regain the Emirates Cup
Emirates Cup
The Emirates Cup is an annual two-day pre-season football tournament hosted by English Premier League club Arsenal and held at the Emirates Stadium, the club's home ground...
. He was then included in Arsenal's first team for the season and handed shirt number 46 and subsequently came on in the 70th minute against Portsmouth
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
in Arsenal's second Premier League match of the season. He was then upgraded to shirt number 32, formerly worn by Theo Walcott
Theo Walcott
Theo James Walcott is an English footballer of Jamaican descent who plays for Arsenal and the England national team. Walcott is a product of the Southampton F.C. Academy. He is a striker who is usually deployed on the right wing as a wide forward to exploit his speed...
. In a Carling Cup game against Liverpool F.C, Mérida scored from the edge of the area, hitting the post on its way past Liverpool F.C goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri
Diego Cavalieri
Diego Cavalieri is a Brazilian goalkeeper, currently playing for Fluminense. He is of Italian ancestry and holds both an Italian and Brazilian passport.-Palmeiras:...
. After the game, Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger, OBE is a French association football manager and former player, who has managed English Premier League side Arsenal since 1996...
confirmed how Mérida was close to joining Levante
Levante UD
Levante Unión Deportiva, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, in the namesake community.Founded in 1909, it plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadi Ciutat de València.-Early years:...
on loan at the start of the season, but changed his mind at the last minute because he had "too much quality" to let him leave for a season.
With Mérida's contract due to expire in June 2010,he said he was having talks with the club over a new deal and hoped they could come to an agreement, while Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo
Enrique Cerezo
Enrique Cerezo Torres is a cinematographic producer and the president of Club Atlético de Madrid from 2002.-Cinematographic career:Enrique Cerezo began in cinema in 1971 as a camera assistant in the movie Vente a Alemania, Pepe...
showed his interest in bringing the youngster back to Spain if something isn't worked out between player and club.
On November 5, Arsenal confirmed that Mérida had verbally agreed a deal with the club, but it had yet to be signed.
Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger, OBE is a French association football manager and former player, who has managed English Premier League side Arsenal since 1996...
then accused Atletico of tapping up Mérida after announcing their public interest of talking to the youngster, saying "I can't say I'm annoyed by other clubs going after our players because we do it as well. But we do it legally." "The difference is that we do not do what is not allowed by the law. We try to get the best players everywhere when it is allowed by the rules."
Mérida played against West Ham
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
in the FA Cup which Arsenal won 2–1. On 17 January 2010 he came on as a 62nd minute substitute for Craig Eastmond
Craig Eastmond
Craig Leon Eastmond is an English footballer who plays for Arsenal. A product of Arsenal Academy who came to prominence during 2008–09 FA Youth Cup, he can play as either a defensive midfielder or right back...
and scored in the 77th minute of Arsenal's 2–0 victory over Bolton Wanderers – his first Premier League goal for Arsenal.
Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid officially announced on May 28 that Fran was on his way to the Vicente Calderón StadiumVicente Calderón Stadium
The Vicente Calderón Stadium is the home stadium of La Liga football club Atlético Madrid and is located in the Arganzuela district of Spanish capital Madrid. The stadium was originally called the Manzanares Stadium, but this was later changed to the Vicente Calderón Stadium, after the famous...
on a free transfer after refusing Arsenal's contract offer at the end of the season. He scored his first Atlético goal on October 27 in a 5-0 Copa del Rey
Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
win against Universidad Las Palmas
Universidad de Las Palmas CF
Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Club de Fútbol was a Spanish football team based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands...
. On December 16, Mérida scored with his first touch in a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer 04 Leverkusen is a German football club based in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia. It is the most well-known department of TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen, a sports club whose members also participate in athletics, gymnastics, basketball and other sports.-Origins and early years:On 27 November...
. It was his third goal for the club, but could not prevent Atlético from exiting the Europa League.
International career
Mérida was part of the Spanish U-17 squadSpain national under-17 football team
The Spain national under-17 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain....
, which won the 2007
2007 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
The UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship 2007 Final Tournament was held in Belgium from May 2, 2007, to May 13, 2007. Top 5 teams will qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007...
UEFA U-17 Championships. In July 2007, he also played for the Spain U-17 squad in the 2007
2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup
The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007 was held in the Korea Republic between 18 August and 9 September 2007. For this event, the number of teams had been expanded from 16 to 24, with the top two of each group and the four best third-place teams advancing to the Round of 16...
FIFA U-17 World Cup
FIFA U-17 World Cup
The FIFA U-17 World Cup, founded as the FIFA U-16 World Championship, later changed to the FIFA U-17 World Championship and known by its current name since 2007, is the world championship of association football for male players under the age of 17 organized by Fédération Internationale de Football...
in South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
but, they finished runners up, losing to a dominant Nigeria
Nigeria national under-17 football team
-History:The team won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1985 , 1993 and 2007. They also won the African Under-17 Championship in 2001 and 2007, and were runners-up in 1995....
in a penalty shootout, with Mérida missing the second penalty of the three taken.
Mérida was called up to the Spanish squad
Spain national under-20 football team
The Spain national under-20 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain.-FIFA World Youth Championship Record:...
and took part in the 2009 U-20 World Cup
2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup
The 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, was the 17th U-20 tournament, which was hosted by Egypt from 24 September to 16 October, in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, Suez and Ismaïlia...
held in Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
during September and October 2009. He starred in an 8–0 drubbing of Tahiti
Tahiti national football team
The Tahiti national football team is the national team of French Polynesia and is controlled by the Fédération Tahitienne de Football.They finished second in the OFC Nations Cup in its first three installments, 1973, 1980, and 1996. In 2009 the under 20 team qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in...
, scoring the fifth goal and providing an assist. In the next group game he continued his fine form and scored 2 goals in a 2–0 win for Spain over Nigeria
Nigeria national under-20 football team
Nigeria U-20 men's national soccer team, also known as Nigeria Under-20s or nicknamed Flying Eagles, is the youth team for national soccer in Nigeria...
. Mérida was rested for the final group game against Venezuela
Venezuela national under-20 football team
Venezuela national under-20 football team represents Venezuela in international football competitions such as South American Youth Championship.-2009 South American Youth Championship:...
, in which Spain won 3–0. He played 76 minutes in Spain's last 16 tie with Italy where they were knocked out of the competition.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | Domestic Cup | Europe | Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | ||
| Arsenal Arsenal F.C. Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups... |
2007–08 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Real Sociedad Real Sociedad Real Sociedad de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in the city of San Sebastián, Basque Country, founded on 7 September 1909... (loan) |
2007–08 | 17 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 1 | 6 |
| Arsenal Arsenal F.C. Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups... |
2008–09 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2009–10 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 0 | |
| Atlético Madrid | 2010–11 2010–11 La Liga The 2010–11 La Liga season was the 80th since its establishment. The campaign began on 28 August 2010 and ended on 21 May 2011. A total of 20 teams contested the league, 17 of which already contested in the 2009–10 season and three of which were promoted from the Segunda División... |
17 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 3 | 3 |
| Career total | 40 | 2 | 8 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 60 | 6 | 10 | |
Country
- UEFA European Under-17 Football ChampionshipUEFA European Under-17 Football ChampionshipThe UEFA U-17 Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. From 1982 to 2001 it was an Under-16 event.This meeting serves as a preliminary competition for the FIFA U-17 World Cup every other year....
: 20072007 UEFA European Under-17 Football ChampionshipThe UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship 2007 Final Tournament was held in Belgium from May 2, 2007, to May 13, 2007. Top 5 teams will qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007...
Personal
His sister SaraSara Mérida
Sara Mérida Pérez is a Spanish football midfielder currently playing for RCD Espanyol. She won the 2010 U17 Euro and took part in the 2010 U-17 Euro where Spain was third, scoring against New Zealand...
, currently playing for RCD Espanyol, is also a football player.