Mikel Arteta has said Arsenal are dreaming of Champions League success as his side prepare to face Porto in the last 16.
Arsenal are competing in the Champions League for the first time in seven years this season and have made an impressive return to the competition, topping their group-stage draw in emphatic fashion.
The Gunners next face Porto over two legs as the north Londoners look to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2009/10.
“Itโs great we have earnt the right to be here. Itโs been seven years since weโve been at this table for this kind of match and 14 years since weโve been able to go to the next stage,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.
“Thatโs the challenge, thatโs what is ahead of us and we are really excited to face it, and to go for it with full belief, thatโs for sure.
Arteta admits the ambition of his team does not end with a place in the last eight and says Arsenal are dreaming of becoming European champions for the first time this season. Asked whether winning the Champions League was the ultimate triumph, the Spaniard said:
“Well, it is certainly one of them, Iโm donโt know if itโs the best, but it would be incredible to have that feeling to lift that cup in London on the 1st of June. Itโs there, itโs in our minds, and itโs a dream but itโs a lot of things that you have to earn the right before that, and tomorrow weโre going to have a big obstacle ahead of us. We are really looking forward to it.
For much of Arsenal’s squad this is a first experience of Champions League knockout football, but Arteta believes their tie with Porto presents a chance for his team to show how good they are.
“Yeah, itโs true because we donโt have the experience, thatโs the reality โ 95 per cent of the players have not played in this competition. They have never played in the last 16, I havenโt, but we have so much enthusiasm and energy as well, and willingness with a point to prove that we are good enough and want to be there. Thatโs our desire and the passion with which weโre going to play the game tomorrow.”
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