Mikel Merino completed his move to Arsenal on Tuesday, and he’s explained why there are pictures of him from 2005 wearing the club kit.

On Tuesday afternoon, Arsenal finally confirmed the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, with the player reportedly joining on a four-year contract with the option to extend for a fifth.

But when Merino pulled on his new colours for an announcement photoshoot this week, it wasn’t the first time he’d been pictured in an Arsenal kit.

The player shared pictures of himself as a child wearing a full Arsenal kit in 2005, before explaining why.

“It’s funny how life works sometimes!” Merino said. “My father was a footballer as well and I used to have t-shirts of the teams that he played in, but I never used to have other teams’ shirts.

“One holiday my parents came home and gifted me a full Arsenal kit. I remember being all over the moon and wanting to take pictures as if I were a professional! I was there like the boss of the players!

“It’s funny how right now I’m achieving a dream of playing in a huge club and how life works, from those pictures from 20 years ago.”

As you can see above, Merino has taken the number 23 at Arsenal, and his transfer reportedly cost up to €37.5m (£31.6m) when including add-ons.

The deal was completed well in advance of Arsenal’s next fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, August 31st at 12:30 BST, so Merino will be available for that match if fit and selected.

The midfielder made 45 appearances for Sociedad last season, scoring eight goals and assisting a further five. He then joined up with Spain on international duty, featuring throughout Euro 2024 as his team ended up winning the trophy.