• Champions League

Song tells Arsenal to back Wenger

Alex Song joined Barca for £15 million last summer © Getty Images

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Barcelona midfielder Alex Song believes it would be "very special" for him to take on former club Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League, claiming the Liga leaders would eliminate the Gunners if given the chance.

Song's comments echo those of fellow ex-Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who is also hoping to take on his former club in Europe's elite club competition.

The draw for the last 16 will take place in Switzerland on Thursday, and Song has no doubt who he would prefer Barcelona to face.

"Of course, I would like to play against Arsenal," Song is quoted as saying in the Sun. "For me to go back there, where I had seven magnificent years, would be something very special.

"If we draw Arsenal I'd be happy to see the fans again, go back to the club, even though if we go there it will be to get the best result possible.

"Arsenal's a big club, but I think Barcelona's a level above, because of the talent of the players there. That's no disrespect to Arsenal, because they have talented players, but I think the Barcelona players are above. I saw a lot of people come and a lot of people go at Arsenal."

Song, meanwhile, declared Arsenal fans must give manager Arsene Wenger more time to mould his new-look squad into Premier League title contenders.

"It hurts to see them now because the Arsenal players have talent and potential," he said. "Given all that manager Arsene Wenger has done there I don't think it's normal that the situation is the way it is today.

"New players have come in and you have to give them time to adapt - and I think that when they have adapted, things will be better."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.