Football

The 34-year-old former midfielder of Arsenal and Atlético, Fran Merida, has announced his retirement from professional football

Fran Merida has announced his retirement from professional football. 

The 34-year-old midfielder's last club was Lugo, competing in Spain's third division, which he departed last summer. 

A product of the academies of both Barcelona and Arsenal, Merida is notably remembered for his stints with the Gunners, as well as his time at Atlético Madrid, Real Sociedad, Osasuna, Espanyol, and the Chinese club Tianjin. 

Merida achieved international success with the Spanish U17 national team, claiming victory in the 2007 European Championship.