Merino says he was fortunate to survive Dortmund bus bombing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 09:44 · Archive

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has said he is 'fortunate to be alive' after surviving a bombing attack on Borussia Dortmund's team bus in 2017. Three pipe bombs containing metal pins were detonated near the bus as it travelled to a Champions League quarter-final match. Merino, who was 20 at the time, escaped without injury, but only by chance: he had moved from his usual seat to a reclining seat at the front of the bus because his legs felt tight.

A large piece of shrapnel struck the headrest of his usual seat, which was empty that day. Had he remained in his normal position, he could have suffered a fatal injury. 'I think I have an angel on my shoulder,' he told The Players' Tribune. 'I'm actually fortunate to be alive at all.' He described the moment of the explosion: 'There was a deafening noise, and then I remember the bus nearly tipping over. I looked behind me and saw blood on the floor. Smoke, screams.'

Dortmund defender Marc Bartra, who sat in the seat where the shrapnel lodged, was hospitalised with a wrist injury that required surgery. A police officer was also treated for injuries sustained in the attack. The bombing deeply affected those involved, with Merino reflecting that the experience 'marked us all'.

How it is being reported

• Mikel Merino: Arsenal star admits he is 'lucky to be alive' after life-threatening bus attackSpaniard was on board when hidden bombs went off before Champions League gameEvening Standard · 16 Oct, 09:23
• Arsenal star Mikel Merino admits he's 'fortunate to be alive' after 'an angel' saved him during Borussia Dortmund bus bombingThe football world was shook when the German side were victims of an attack by Sergej Wenergold, which saw pipe bombs detonated near the bus when it was on its way to a game.Daily Mail Sport · 15 Oct, 22:54

In this story: Mikel Merino · Borussia Dortmund · Marc Bartra · Arsenal

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