The Barcelona defender has publicly stated that he would like the Catalans to draw Italian side AC Milan in the next round of the Champions League.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 and AC Milan both have succeeded in registering their names to the knock-out stages of the UEFA Champions League after the latest round of fixtures.
Ahead of the match-day, Barcelona, having already qualified as group toppers, had to face Portuguese side Benfica; where as the Italian outfit had to take on Russian side Zenit.
Despite losing 1-0 to the Russians, the San Siro outfit managed to qualify for the next round and have done so by coming second in their group.
This means that the Rossoneri are in line for a tricky draw on December 20th. As the rules of the seeding goes, the Italians can avoid fellow country’s clubs, but may fall in the hands of fellow European big guns Manchester United, Barcelona and
Borussia Dortmund.
Barcelona defender, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Carles-Puyol-c8331, has although stated that he would like to face the Italians, ahead of the draws.
Puyol’s statement sparked controversy; however the Spanish international made it clear to the reporters that it all comes down to the fact that he has great admiration for the San Siro giants.
AC Milan are currently going through a transition period, having departed with the likes of stars http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Thiago-Silva-c34903, both of whom joined oil-rich French side PSG in the summer transfer window.
The defender also stated that he does not fear any side and insisted that the Catalans will have enough quality to see off the threat of any football team across Europe.
"We don't care who our next rival is, but you know that I like to play against Milan because I admire that team," Puyol told the club's website.
The defender has just recently returned from injury and wants his side to now focus on their upcoming La Liga clash.
"In any event, now we have to focus on La Liga and the Copa del Rey again," Puyol said.
Barcelona face Real Betis in an exciting La Liga match, scheduled to take place over the weekend.
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