Merino: I'm very happy to have helped the team, and that's what I hope for

Mikel Merino expressed his great happiness after playing a starring role and scoring two goals in Spain's 2-1 victory over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League.

Mikel Merino said: "I am very happy that I was able to help the team again. Once again, I found myself coming off the bench, with the best possible mindset, even if I am angry about not being able to play more, but this team is a family, and that always shows."

Spain player Mikel Merino spoke about coach Luis de la Fuente's instructions before entering the pitch, explaining: "He told me to do what I know well, press after losing the ball, get into the penalty area and try to hurt them."

Mikel Merino revealed details about the second goal, highlighting the tactical change that allowed him to reach the penalty area from the second line. He said: "It was more about arriving from the second line. There was a tactical change regarding my position in the number 8 role, and at the base."

"I knew how good Zubimendi was, I made a run into space, and he played a wonderful ball to me. Sometimes you can control the ball poorly three times and succeed once, and this time was the good one."

In closing his remarks, Mikel Merino refused to set a ceiling on Spain's ambitions, stating: "I hope we can continue without seeing the ceiling. We look up, but with our feet firmly on the ground, and with humility, because there are days like today that can complicate the series of matches."