Forgotten Arsenal wonderkid once dubbed ‘the new Cesc Fabregas’ joins 11th club of career
FORMER Arsenal youngster Fran Merida has signed for the 11th club of his career.
The midfielder, now 33, has joined Spanish minnows CD Lugo for an undisclosed fee.
He was previously plying his trade for Chinese Super League club Tianjin Jinmen Tiger F.C., who he joined in 2022.
But the lure of returning home was too much to turn down for journeyman Merida.
As a teenager, the playmaker was highly thought of after beginning his youth career at Barcelona.
He transferred to the Gunners in 2005, following in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas.
Arsene Wenger described the teenager as an “absolutely amazing player.”
Ultimately, the move drew comparisons with the Spain World Cup winner.
However, Merida failed to live up to the hype surrounding him.
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He would play just 16 times under the Frenchman, snubbing a new contract to sign for Atletico Madrid in 2010.
But, he failed to find a home for himself at the Vincente Calderon.
Merida then bounced around the clubs, including enjoying a spell at Brazilian club Atlético Paranaense followed by stints at Spanish second division clubs Huesca, Osasuna, and Espanyol.