Mikel Merino reflects on life-saving seat change during Dortmund bus attack

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has reflected on a life-threatening bomb attack that occurred in April 2017 while he was playing for Borussia Dortmund. During a trip to a Champions League quarter-final against Monaco, three pipe bombs exploded near the team bus, causing chaos, smoke, and injuries, including a severe wrist injury to teammate Marc Bartra.

Merino revealed that a spontaneous decision to change his seat likely saved his life. Due to leg stiffness, he moved to the front of the bus to use reclining seats rather than his usual spot. He later learned that a large piece of shrapnel had become lodged in the headrest of his regular seat.

In addition to the attack, Merino discussed his resilience regarding a recent serious foot injury involving a stress fracture. Despite initial medical uncertainty regarding his recovery and potential impact on his career and international ambitions, he successfully underwent rehabilitation to return to professional football.