On 8 January 2011, Merino signed with Al-Nasr SC of the Kuwaiti Premier League, on loan from Salernitana.[3] Less than one month after, however, he left the Asian club;[4] according to the player, he decided to leave because he did not feel comfortable and had other objectives for his football career.[5]
On 28 February 2011, Merino signed a half-season contract with Unión Comercio[6]– at almost 29, this marked the first time he would be playing in the Peruvian Primera División. He stated that his main reason for joining was to earn a regular starting spot on the Peru national team.[7]
International career
Merino represented Spain at under-18 level, having already spent several years living in the country. He decided to play for Peru as a senior, earning his first and only cap on 7 June 2009 in a 1–2 home loss against Ecuador for the 2010 FIFA World Cupqualifiers.[8]
Personal life
Merino's younger brother, Iván, was also a footballer. A defender, he too represented Mallorca B and Salernitana.[9]