Fran Merida has pleaded with Spanish fans not to compare him with his Arsenal teammate Cesc Fabregas.

Like Cesc, Merida was snapped up by the Gunners from Barcelona's youth setup and while the pair are close, Merida insists they're different players.

"I have already said it a thousand times that we are different players," said Merida. "First of all, he has already played in a World Cup and a Champions League final and I am only a junior who is still learning.

"Hopefully, I can be just as successful, but at the moment I am happy to go step-by-step."