Real Sociedad captain Mikel Merino admits an overseas tour is new ground.

Merino was speaking in Mexico, where they will meet Atletico Madrid in Mexico City on Wednesday.

Merino said: "I understand that in football there are certain things that are preferred to others.

"Our coach would of course like to have done what we do every year, which is much easier for him, but that is what football has, we are in 2023.

"Modernization is what it has and globalization is also very important, so we are delighted to be here and to have traveled these kilometres to join all the Mexican fans and we hope to give a good show."