Brief
Mikel Merino says he survived 2017 bus bomb attack that injured teammate Marc Bartra
The Spanish midfielder recalled the 2017 pipe‑bomb blast that hit his team bus en route to a Champions League match.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino told The Players' Tribune that he feels "lucky to be alive" after a 2017 bus bomb attack that injured Dortmund defender Marc Bartra and a police officer.
What happened
In 2017, three pipe bombs exploded as the team bus passed a hedge on the way to a Champions League quarter‑final. The blast caused the bus to nearly tip over, produced a deafening noise, and left blood and smoke inside.
What was said
Merino said, "I think I have an angel on my shoulder… I’m actually fortunate to be alive at all," and described seeing shrapnel lodged in the headrest of the seat next to Bartra, which he occupied that day. He added that his usual seat was empty, which may have saved his life.
Key facts
- Mikel Merino survived a 2017 bus bomb attack that injured Marc Bartra and a police officer. (standard.co.uk)
- Three pipe bombs exploded as the bus travelled past a hedge en route to a Champions League quarter‑final. (standard.co.uk)
- Merino believes his seat change that day may have saved his life. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Arsenal star admits he is 'lucky to be alive' after bus attack”
