• Champions League

Fabregas: I hope we draw Arsenal in last-16

ESPN staff
December 7, 2012
Fabregas shoots for goal against Chelsea in last season's Champions League © Getty Images
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Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has said he hopes to be drawn against his former club Arsenal in the last-16 of the Champions League.

Fabregas, who played over 200 games in eight seasons as a Gunner, said he wanted to catch up with his old friends in north London and hoped the draw, on December 20th, would give him the chance to do so.

"[I would like us to play] Arsenal, for the affection and affinity I have with that club," he said. "I would be very excited to see the people with whom I lived for so many years. It would be a very special tie."

As Group G winners, Barca will face a second-placed team - AC Milan, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Galatasaray, along with Arsenal, are potential rivals.

Fabregas, speaking at a sponsors' event in Barcelona on Thursday, said he was pleased Juventus had topped their respective group because he rated them very highly.

"I am happy to have avoided Juve," he explained. "They are the best team in Italy and one of the best in Europe."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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