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Former Arsenal and Barcelona hopeful - who once earned rich praise from Arsene Wenger - retires from football aged 34 after seeing out final days in Spainish third tier

Related Topics: Arsenal, Arsène Wenger

A former Arsenal and Barcelona hopeful has retired from football at the age of 34.

The midfielder made his way through the ranks at the LaLiga club before joining Arsenal's academy aged 16.

He progressed to the first team, making 12 appearances over four years that included a loan move to Real Sociedad.

After leaving Arsenal, he continued his career in his homeland of Spain and became a bit of a journeyman, ending up with Lugo.

But, in a week where eyes have been on Arsenal's academy stars, Francisco Merida has brought down the curtain on his career.