Arda Turan: ‘We have a lot of respect for Arsenal but we are Barcelona’

Barcelona team news

Barcelona take on Arsenal next week in the Champions League Last 16 first-leg tie at the Emirates hoping to defend their title.

Turkish international star Arda Turan will miss first-leg due to suspension – the bearded winger was sent off against Real Madrid in the quarter-final stages while playing for Atletico Madrid last season.

Turan will however, be available for the return leg and while admitting his side would show Arsenal respect he underlined that Barcelona are the team to fear.

“We have a lot of respect for Arsenal but we are Barcelona,” Turan told Bein Sports.

“We are Barcelona we only concerned with our game and play to the best of our capability.”

Barcelona are in terrific form unbeaten in their last 31 games and currently competing in all three competitions – La Liga, Spanish Cup and Champions League.

Barca are currently favourites but it is worth noting that no team has ever won the Champions League back-to-back.

The Gunners have faced Barcelona seven times in the Champions League but have won just once.

Arsenal are currently joint second in the Premier League two points behind leaders Leicester City.

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