Former midfielder Miguel Ángel has detailed the reasons behind his transfer from CA Osasuna to Celta Vigo in 1994. In an interview published this week, the Madrid-born player stated the move was driven by the Navarrese club's financial requirements at the time.
Why did Miguel Ángel leave Osasuna in 1994?
Miguel Ángel said his departure from Pamplona over three decades ago was motivated by the club's economic situation. "I went to Celta because Osasuna needed money," the former player said. His transfer was finalized in 1994, after six seasons at El Sadar where he had become a popular figure with the fans.
The midfielder recalled his time at the club fondly, highlighting the special atmosphere in the dressing room and the warm welcome he received upon arriving from Madrid. He considers Osasuna a unique club and believes he could not have found a better place to develop both his professional career and family life.
How was his Osasuna debut in 1988?
His arrival at Osasuna in 1988 was marked by a dream debut. After an offer to do pre-season with the first team, his strong performances earned him a starting spot in the first league match. He debuted at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium against Real Madrid, a venue he knew as a fan.
That night, with 80,000 spectators, Osasuna drew 2-2 and Miguel Ángel was fortunate enough to score a goal. He recounted that his parents, Madrid supporters who were in the stands, celebrated the goal and had to explain to other fans that the scorer was their son. It was a complete and unforgettable moment for the player.
What is the connection between his goal celebration and his son Mikel's?
The former player explained the origin of his characteristic goal celebration, spinning around the corner flag. It originated in 1989 during a match against Málaga, dedicating it to his mother who was ill. This image was repeated decades later in an emotional way.
At the European Championship this year, his son Mikel Merino scored a decisive goal for the Spanish national team against Germany in Stuttgart. The Real Sociedad midfielder repeated the same celebration, a gesture of respect towards his father and grandmother. For Miguel Ángel, it was a surprise to see it in such a euphoric moment, coincidentally in the same stadium where he had scored years earlier with Osasuna in UEFA competition.
What is Osasuna's current context?
While these stories from the past are remembered, Osasuna's first team is dealing with the present in La Liga. The team sits in eighth place with four points, after a record of one win and one draw in its first two matches. Its next challenge is a trip to Vitoria to face Deportivo Alavés, third in the table, on September 6th.
The team has scored two goals and conceded one, giving it a positive goal difference of +1. In the standings, the rojillos are five points behind the leader, Real Madrid. On the injury front, full-back Valentin Rosier is currently sidelined. Fans can follow the team's progress on our standings page and check the full schedule at fixtures.
