Fabregas doesn't want Barcelona

Arsenal midfielder and captain Cesc Fabregas spoken about friday Champions league draw.

Cesc Fàbregas has admitted that he would prefer not to face high-flying Barcelona in the next stage of the Champions League, with the draw set to be made on Friday in Switzerland.

The Catalan midfielder recognises how strong his boyhood team currently are and has taken the unusual step of having a preference when asked about his views on the first knock-out round of the competition.

While the majority of players sit on the fence and state that all sides are difficult at this stage, Cesc has no qualms in identifying whom he does not want to face.

"We can draw some very big teams," Cesc told Sky Sports News. "We will see what happens. If you want to win this tournament you have to beat everyone

"I don't want them (Barcelona) to be honest.

"But whenever you say that you don't want someone, you get them. So I would prefer not to say anything."

Gael Clichy was not prepared to make any such bold statements and reverted to the safer ground before adding that on their day Arsenal should be able to beat anyone.

"At this stage of the competition all the teams are great teams," he explained. "We will have to play our best football and if we play our best football we have a chance to win.

"I am really confident in the squad we have and the quality."