Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea news: Cesc Fabregas makes bold Barcelona Champions League suggestion
CHELSEA star Cesc Fabregas has conceded he would welcome the challenge of a Champions League showdown against Barcelona.
Cesc Fabregas gives Gary Lineker a SIGNED Messi shirt
Chelsea drew 1-1 against Atletico Madrid last night to finish runners-up in Group C.
The Blues, who will be unseeded for Monday’s last 16 draw in Nyon, Switzerland could face one of three teams in the knockout stages - Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain or Besiktas.
And Fabregas, who was a product of Barca’s fabled La Masia academy before he joined Arsenal, would be open to facing his former side.
The Spaniard has won every major honour going, but the Champions League has eluded him to date.
He told Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo: “We have to be prepared for anyone.
Cesc Fabregas wouldn't mind facing Barcelona in the knockout stages
If you want to go far you have to beat the best
“We are a competitive team and we don’t have to be afraid of anyone, as we have already shown.
“If you want to go far you have to beat the best.”
Fabregas also expressed sympathy for Atletico Madrid, who dropped into the Europa League after finishing third in Group C.
Barcelona could stand in Chelsea's way in the Champions League
He added: “It’s a pity about Atletico because they deserve to be there for everything they have achieved in recent years.”
Chelsea are back in Premier League action against West Ham on Saturday (12.30pm).
Conte's men trail league leaders Manchester City by 11 points.
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?