Arteta says Arsenal are dreaming of European glory despite terrible last-16 record
MIKEL ARTETA says Arsenal are dreaming of Champions League glory at Wembley in June – despite their poor record in the competition.
The Gunners have been defeated in their latest defeat SEVEN last 16 tapes.
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But ahead of Wednesday night's first leg of the same leg in Porto, boss Arteta declared: “It should be incredible to have that feeling, to lift that cup, in London on June 1.
“It's there. It's in our minds. It's a dream.”
Arsenal's last appearance was in the last eight of the Champions League 14 YEARS AGOwhile the club's only final came in 2006, when Arsène Wenger's ten men lost 2–1 to Barcelona.
Arteta warned: “There are a lot of things you should have the right to do before a final and in Porto we have a big obstacle ahead of us.
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“You have been out of the competition for two or three months and you are facing a completely different phase.
“All the teams are top and there is little time to prepare for matches.
“The ball is rolling and you have to be ready because the teams are very prepared and dangerous. We are really looking forward to it.”
Arsenal failed to qualify for the competition from the end of the 2016–17 season until they finished as runners-up last season.
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On their return to Europe's biggest stage, Arsenal topped the group with four wins from six.
Spaniard Arteta added: “It's great. We have earned the right to be here.
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“It's been years since we've been at the top in these types of competitions and fourteen years since we've been able to move to the next stage.
“That is the challenge, but we are going for it with confidence.”
Fabio Vieira has traveled to Portugal with the team and could feature against his former club, who have recovered from groin surgery.
But Thomas Partey has not been in danger, alongside Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Kai Havertz and Jorginho could feature after winning the Champions League in Porto with Chelsea in 2021 – Havertz scoring the only goal to beat Manchester City.
After a slow start since joining for £65m in the summer, striker Havertz has hit form.
Arteta said of the German's Euro glory: “It's probably the biggest highlight of his career. And also for Jorginho. It was incredible.”
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