“My mum was a bit more hesitant about me naturalising, because the French passport is very strong,” Merkies said. “But I had no doubts, and she accepted my decision quite quickly once I’d explained how the passport would help my football.
“My first target was to represent Hong Kong. It’s where I grew up and started my career. I want to pay back the trust of the coach, and the support of the fans and Hong Kong.”
“I played lots of sports, but that’s when football got more serious,” he said. “I had interest from bigger teams and went to training camps at PSG and Ajax. It was my dream to play professionally, but when I came to Hong Kong, I thought the dream was over.”
Merkies, who moved because of his mum’s job, attended French International School Hong Kong and soon discovered Hong Kong Football Club, where he would eventually make his senior debut in September 2022.
“I felt at home in Hong Kong so quickly, it was an experience I didn’t expect and I really love this place,” Merkies said.
He joined Southern in the summer of 2023 but, as a foreign player, struggled for game time. “We thought I would get my passport way quicker,” Merkies said. “We had nine foreigners and I was often the one pushed aside. It was quite a difficult time and it affected my confidence.
“In professional football, the mental side takes over technique and skill.
“I tried to keep a routine, to not overthink in games, and remember this was my dream as a kid, so I shouldn’t put too much pressure on myself.”
Although he has yet to feature for Shandong, Merkies said: “I think I’m in the right place. It’s difficult not playing, but it’s a big step. The level is way higher and way more professional.
“I’m giving myself time to adapt, and learning in a better environment with better players. Hopefully, soon I’ll have the chance to play – then it’s up to me to perform.”
Merkies lives alone in club accommodation, although his girlfriend occasionally visits from Hong Kong. “My mindset when I went was to focus on football, and they give us the best of everything,” he added.
The 23-year-old scored on his official international debut against Macau in March. He recovered from a knee injury to start last month’s Asian Cup qualifying win over India and is now aiming to play a key role in games against Japan on Tuesday, South Korea three days later, and China on July 15.
“It’s going to be a great experience, and a chance to get results against some of the best nations in the world,” Merkies said.
He is aware, too, that “the whole of China, including the staff and fans at Shandong, will be watching” when Hong Kong meet the Chinese.
“If I deliver a decent performance, it might help me in the future,” Merkies added.
https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317068/hong-kong-star-trained-psg-and-ajax-living-his-dream-city