Mikel Merino says he survived a 2017 bus bomb attack that could have been fatal

Mikel Merino recounted a 2017 attack in which hidden pipe bombs exploded beside his Borussia Dortmund team bus on the way to a Champions League quarter-final. The blast caused the vehicle to nearly overturn, produced deafening noise, and resulted in injuries to several people, including a police officer and defender Marc Bartra, who required wrist surgery. Merino noted that a sizable piece of shrapnel was discovered in the headrest of the seat next to Bartra, which was empty at the time.

Because he had moved to a different seat that day, Merino believes he avoided a potentially fatal wound. He described the experience as life-changing and said he feels fortunate to be alive.