Merino: 'I'm Fortunate to Be Alive' After Dortmund Bus Attack

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has opened up about surviving the terrifying bombing of Borussia Dortmund's team bus back in 2017, saying he feels "fortunate to be alive".

The Evening Standard reports that Merino believes he is "lucky to be alive" after the attack, which saw hidden bombs packed with metal pins detonate as the bus travelled to a match during his time at Dortmund (Evening Standard). BBC Sport adds context on the timing, noting Merino was just 20 years old when the 2017 attack took place and that he has now opened up about reliving the experience (BBC Sport).

ESPN uses the same "fortunate to be alive" quote but also broadens the piece out, revealing that Merino has spoken about Arsenal's title-winning mentality, saying conversations in the dressing room after last season's draw with Wolves were the moment he sensed the squad would go on to win the Premier League (ESPN).

All three outlets agree on the central quote from Merino about being fortunate or lucky to have survived the bus attack, underlining just how serious and frightening the incident was for him as a young player at Dortmund. The Evening Standard and BBC Sport focus squarely on the details of the attack itself, while ESPN's snippet suggests its report also ties this reflection into Merino's broader story since joining Arsenal, including his views on the club's title aspirations.

Taken together, the coverage paints a picture of a player reflecting on a harrowing moment from his past while now settled at Arsenal, with his comments on survival sitting alongside reported remarks about the dressing room belief that fuelled last season's title triumph.

Written with the help of AI, using the headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.