{"id":137,"date":"2026-02-21T11:14:51","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T11:14:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/razak.com.ng\/?p=137"},"modified":"2026-02-21T11:14:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T11:14:51","slug":"from-fer-lopez-to-pique-aspas-denis-suarez-bryan-gil-vallejo-saul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/razak.com.ng\/?p=137","title":{"rendered":"from Fer L\u00f3pez to Piqu\u00e9, Aspas, Denis Su\u00e1rez, Bryan Gil, Vallejo, Sa\u00fal&#8230;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph ue-c-article--first-letter-highlighted\"><strong>The attraction of the Premier is undeniable<\/strong>. However, what seems like paradise turns into quicksands for many Spanish footballers. <strong>Fer Lopez<\/strong> It is the last one that lasts a few months before returning, in this case to Celta. History is full of footballers from whom victory eluded them. The Spain-Premier-Spain trip has many passengers. <span\/><span\/><\/p>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\">There are those who succeed<strong> (Cesc, Xabi Alonso, Torres, Navas,<\/strong> Merino, Cucurella, Azpilicueta, Silva, Cazorla&#8230;), those who comply<strong> (Morientes, Ceballos<\/strong>\u00c1lex Moreno, Del Horno, Negredo&#8230;) and those who abandon and return after trying the adventure. There they are <strong>Piqu\u00e9, Bryan Gil, Denis Su\u00e1rez, Aspas,<\/strong> Sandro, Eric Garc\u00eda, Lucas P\u00e9rez and a long list that keeps getting fatter. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"ue-c-article__media ue-c-article__media--video  video-player\"><figcaption class=\"ue-c-article__media-caption\" itemprop=\"description\">\n<p><span class=\"ue-c-article__media-description\">Piqu\u00e9&#8217;s anecdotes during his time in Manchester<\/span><span class=\"ue-c-article__media-author\"><span>RAKUTEN<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>In 2004, a Bar\u00e7a youth player named Gerard Piqu\u00e9 signed his ticket to Manchester United. <\/strong>the empire that Alex Ferguson led. It was like going through university. The center-back left with the clear message that he would return. After two seasons with few opportunities at Old Trafford, Piqu\u00e9 went on loan to Zaragoza where he exhibited his qualities. He returned to the Premier a season before<strong> Bar\u00e7a will pay around 5 million to enroll him<\/strong> in Guardiola&#8217;s project.<span\/><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"ue-c-article__blockquote\">\n<p>There were hard moments when you don&#8217;t understand why you don&#8217;t play, but there were Rio Ferdinand and Vidic<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ue-c-article__blockquote-author\">Gerard Piqu\u00e9<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\">Over the years, Piqu\u00e9 remembered what that experience was like: &#8220;It was a difficult stage, and there were hard moments when you didn&#8217;t understand why you weren&#8217;t playing. But the team had two great centre-backs like Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidi\u0107.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ue-c-article__subheadline\">Anfield and Aspas<\/h2>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>Another historic one, Liverpool, served as a red carpet for Iago Aspas. <\/strong>For the 13-14 season, the Anfield club paid around 9 million euros for the man who was already emerging as a Celta star. The striker did not find a place in a forward line in which Luis Su\u00e1rez and Sturridge were in charge, with Sterling as the main alternative.<\/p>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>Aspas only participated in 14 games (379 minutes) <\/strong>in which he did not score a goal, something striking for his qualities. A year later he began his return operation. First, on loan to Sevilla, where he did not shine either; later, in the <strong>Celta, who bought him for about 4 million euros.<\/strong> In Vigo he built the profile of the best player in his history to this day.<\/p>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>For the Vigo genius what he experienced in Liverpool <\/strong>It was a new experience. &#8220;These are hard moments. You have to live the B side of football, you don&#8217;t play, you don&#8217;t enjoy minutes.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"ue-c-article__media ue-c-article__media--video  video-player\"><figcaption class=\"ue-c-article__media-caption\" itemprop=\"description\">\n<p><span class=\"ue-c-article__media-description\">Manchester City makes the signing of Nolito official.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"ue-c-article__subheadline\">Nolito&#8217;s bid<\/h2>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>At Celta Nolito also played with magic<\/strong>. So much so that Guardiola&#8217;s Manchester City recruited him in 2016 by paying 18 million for him. Ag\u00fcero, San\u00e9, Sterling, De Bruyne, Silva, Gabriel Jes\u00fas&#8230; were waiting for him in the competition&#8230;<\/p>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\">One year was enough for him to assimilate that victory was almost impossible surrounded by so many stars. <strong>He participated in 19 League games before reflecting on his return.<\/strong> Sevilla acquired Nolito after paying 8 million euros to City.<\/p>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>Its adaptation was complicated with aspects<\/strong> that surround football like family or the weather. Nolito expressed it like this: &#8220;My daughter changed color, it seemed like she was living in a cave. At five in the afternoon everything is dark and cold.&#8221;<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"ue-c-article__blockquote\">\n<p>My daughter changed color, it seemed like she was living in a cave; at five in the afternoon it&#8217;s all dark and cold<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ue-c-article__blockquote-author\">Nolito<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>The career of Bryan Gil, a left-footed winger from the old days, with dribbling and speed on his natural wing, <\/strong>He was going like a rocket after his loans to Legan\u00e9s and Eibar. Sevilla found a business avenue in him and sold him in 2021 for about <strong>21 million to Tottenham <\/strong>in an operation in which Lamela landed in the Pizju\u00e1n.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ue-c-article__subheadline\">Bryan&#8217;s Travels<\/h2>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>The career of Bryan Gil and English football never found the path to continuity<\/strong>. In his first season he only played 86 minutes before arriving on loan to Valencia in the winter. Back in London, again without minutes, he returned to Sevilla. From there, back to his Premier club for the 23-24 season. Finally, in the summer of 2024 he arrived at Girona on loan. Last September the Catalan club paid 10 million for his signing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"ue-c-article__media ue-c-article__media--image\">\n<div class=\"ue-c-article__media-img-container ue-l-article--expand-edge-right-until-tablet ue-l-article--expand-edge-left-until-tablet\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1010px) 660px, (min-width: 980px) calc(100vw - 350px), (min-width: 740px) calc(100vw - 320px), 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_360_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.webp 360w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_375_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.webp 375w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_414_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.webp 414w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_660_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.webp 660w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_720_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.webp 720w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_750_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.webp 750w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_828_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.webp 828w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_1320_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.webp 1320w\"><source type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1010px) 660px, (min-width: 980px) calc(100vw - 350px), (min-width: 740px) calc(100vw - 320px), 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_360_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.jpeg 360w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_375_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.jpeg 375w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_414_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.jpeg 414w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_660_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.jpeg 660w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_720_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.jpeg 720w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_750_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.jpeg 750w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_828_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.jpeg 828w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_1320_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.jpeg 1320w\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"581\" class=\"ue-c-article__image lazyload\" alt=\"Bryan Gil, with the Tottenham Hotspur shirt.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d82f4a44d.jpeg\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"ue-c-article__media-caption\">\n<p><span class=\"ue-c-article__media-description\">Bryan Gil, with the Tottenham Hotspur shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>In 2017, Guardiola&#8217;s Manchester City fished in the Bar\u00e7a youth team to win for two million<\/strong> of euros to Eric Garc\u00eda, a firm 16-year-old promise. His degree was completed in four seasons in which he barely had any opportunities. In 2021 he returned to Barcelona at zero cost.<\/p>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>An Atl\u00e9tico classic, Sa\u00fal, left on loan to Chelsea in September 2021<\/strong>. In the squad he had to compete for minutes with Kant\u00e9, Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount or Loftus-Cheek, an almost insurmountable wall for Tuchel to pay close attention to. The midfielder only found 478 minutes in the entire championship.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"ue-c-article__media ue-c-article__media--video  video-player\"><figcaption class=\"ue-c-article__media-caption\" itemprop=\"description\">\n<p><span class=\"ue-c-article__media-description\">Sa\u00fal&#8217;s first day at Chelsea: he already dares to speak English<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>After this short adventure, Sa\u00fal<\/strong> He returned to Atl\u00e9tico de Madrid, a plan for which he had already lost the permanent role with Simeone.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ue-c-article__subheadline\">A goalkeeper without a place<\/h2>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>In 2002 Ricardo had completed a great career<\/strong> in the Valladolid goal. Manchester United decided to sign him by paying two million euros for his services. Barthez and Carroll were waiting for him at the legendary entity. Ferguson only gave him 44 minutes in the league campaign.<\/p>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>In search of minutes he returned to the Spanish competition with Racing de Santander.<\/strong> He then completed another almost unprecedented season at United before arriving at Osasuna where he became essential for eight seasons.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"ue-c-article__media ue-c-article__media--video  video-player\"><figcaption class=\"ue-c-article__media-caption\" itemprop=\"description\">\n<p><span class=\"ue-c-article__media-description\">Denis Su\u00e1rez is already from Arsenal<\/span><span class=\"ue-c-article__media-author\"><span>Omnisport<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>An almost tiptoe visit was that of Vallejo. After two seasons in white, <\/strong>In 2019, Real Madrid loaned the center back to Wolverhampton, a move that seemed ideal to regain minutes. With Nuno on the bench, the footballer only played 162 minutes in the league competition. In the winter market he also went on loan to Granada.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"ue-c-article__blockquote\">\n<p>At Liverpool I knew the B side of football, that of not playing and not enjoying minutes<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ue-c-article__blockquote-author\">Iago Aspas<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>In January 2019, Barcelona decided to renew Denis Su\u00e1rez until 2021 as a preliminary step to a loan to Arsenal <\/strong>by Unai Emery. The playmaker arrived at a London club where \u00d6zil, Mkhitaryan, and Ramsey were already in his position. Denis Su\u00e1rez&#8217;s experience was unsuccessful and he only played two games with 67 minutes. In the following season he began his time at Celta.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ue-c-article__subheadline\">A forward without gunpowder<\/h2>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>Midfielder Aleix Garc\u00eda was one of Villarreal&#8217;s most promising players.<\/strong> In the summer of 2015, Manchester City recruited him into their ranks. With Pellegrini as coach and a squad full of stars it was impossible to find minutes. After two seasons in which he played four league games, he found a place on loan at Girona for the 2017-18 campaign. He did not return to City.<\/p>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>In the summer of 2017, Everton noticed Sandro and paid M\u00e1laga six million euros for the forward.<\/strong>. In the Liverpool team, with Wayne Rooney as the leader up front, he did not find the ideal atmosphere for him. He only participated in eight League games in which he totaled 276 minutes without a goal in his statistics. In the winter he found a place at Sevilla, where he completed the season without much luck.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"ue-c-article__media ue-c-article__media--video  video-player\"><figcaption class=\"ue-c-article__media-caption\" itemprop=\"description\">\n<p><span class=\"ue-c-article__media-description\">Champions League (J6): \u200b\u200bSummary and goals of Basel 1-4 Arsenal<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>A classic goalkeeper, C\u00e9sar S\u00e1nchez, also covered his short quota in the Premier.<\/strong> Juande Ramos&#8217;s Tottenham signed him in 2008 from Zaragoza after an operation worth close to two million euros. There he would have to fight for the position with the Brazilian Gomes. It quickly became clear that it was impossible to play. C\u00e9sar did not play a minute in the entire league campaign. Valencia acquired his services at the end of the season.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ue-c-article__subheadline\">Clausulazo by Lucas P\u00e9rez<\/h2>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>At the same headquarters, years later, history repeated. Pochettino&#8217;s Tottenham<\/strong> In 2016 he added Pau L\u00f3pez, the goalkeeper who stood out at Espanyol, on loan for his goal. In London he had to wait for his opportunity because the position was almost perpetually owned by the Frenchman Lloris. There was no way to find space and the League ended without Pau L\u00f3pez getting under the goal. The goalkeeper returned to Espanyol.<\/p>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>In the summer of 2016, Arsenal signed Lucas P\u00e9rez after paying 20 million euros<\/strong> of his clause to Deportivo de la Coru\u00f1a. The attacker arrived at Wenger&#8217;s London team to fight for a place with Alexis S\u00e1nchez, Walcott, Giroud, Iwobi&#8230; The season made it clear to him that it was not his place. Lucas P\u00e9rez played 265 league minutes spread over eleven games with one goal.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"ue-c-article__blockquote\">\n<p>I wanted to leave there to play again and be happy, I made it very clear to Arsenal<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ue-c-article__blockquote-author\">Lucas P\u00e9rez<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>The forward got tired of his situation. In the summer he forced Arsenal to let him go. &#8220;I made it very clear to them that I wanted to leave to be happy again.&#8221; Deportivo recovered him <\/strong>with a transfer for which he paid four million euros. He never played for Arsenal again.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"ue-c-article__media ue-c-article__media--video  video-player\"><figcaption class=\"ue-c-article__media-caption\" itemprop=\"description\">\n<p><span class=\"ue-c-article__media-description\">Guardiola surrenders to Eric Garc\u00eda: &#8220;He is very smart and capable of leading the entire defense&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>Juanmi had experienced a similar situation. <\/strong>The M\u00e1laga attacker went to Ronald Koeman&#8217;s Southampton in 2015. The English club paid seven million euros for his services. Juanmi only played 162 minutes in 12 league games in which he did not find the net.<\/p>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\">When the campaign ended, the footballer decided to change his shirt. <strong>Real Sociedad paid five million euros<\/strong> to the English club. The English adventure ended soon.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ue-c-article__subheadline\">A court case<\/h2>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>Roque Mesa did not find the promised land either. Swansea paid 12 million<\/strong> to Las Palmas in 2017. The pivot had shone in the Canary Islands team and the Premier was an appetizing candy. After participating in 11 games with 757 minutes, the call came from Sevilla in the winter market with a loan with a purchase option that he executed in the summer for eight million euros.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"ue-c-article__media ue-c-article__media--image\">\n<div class=\"ue-c-article__media-img-container ue-l-article--expand-edge-right-until-tablet ue-l-article--expand-edge-left-until-tablet\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1010px) 660px, (min-width: 980px) calc(100vw - 350px), (min-width: 740px) calc(100vw - 320px), 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_360_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.webp 360w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_375_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.webp 375w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_414_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.webp 414w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_660_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.webp 660w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_720_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.webp 720w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_750_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.webp 750w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_828_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.webp 828w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_1320_widen_webp\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.webp 1320w\"><source type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1010px) 660px, (min-width: 980px) calc(100vw - 350px), (min-width: 740px) calc(100vw - 320px), 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_360_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.jpeg 360w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_375_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.jpeg 375w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_414_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.jpeg 414w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_660_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.jpeg 660w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_720_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.jpeg 720w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_750_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.jpeg 750w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_828_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.jpeg 828w,https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/files\/article_1320_widen\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.jpeg 1320w\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1156\" height=\"1371\" class=\"ue-c-article__image lazyload\" alt=\"Fran M\u00e9rida, with Arsenal\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/objetos-xlk.estaticos-marca.com\/uploads\/2026\/01\/27\/6978d67ee710c.jpeg\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"ue-c-article__media-caption\">\n<p><span class=\"ue-c-article__media-description\">Fran M\u00e9rida, with Arsenal<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>Fran M\u00e9rida left Barcelona for Arsenal in 2005 when he was a footballer project. <\/strong>After a legal dispute, he had to pay just over three million to the Bar\u00e7a entity. In London he spent several seasons waiting to have a relevant role in the first team. <span\/><\/p>\n<p data-mrf-recirculation=\"Links P\u00e1rrafos\" class=\"ue-c-article__paragraph paragraph\"><strong>In 2007 he joined Real Sociedad.<\/strong> After a year he returned to Arsenal where in two seasons he played 81 league minutes and in 2010 he signed with Atl\u00e9tico.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The attraction of the Premier is undeniable. However, what seems like paradise turns into quicksands<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":138,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-137","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sport"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/razak.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/137","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/razak.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/razak.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razak.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razak.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=137"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/razak.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/137\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razak.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/138"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/razak.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=137"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razak.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=137"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razak.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=137"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}