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AC Milan vs Arsenal: I feel 'SORRY' for Gunners... this is why - Massimiliano Mirabelli
AC MILAN sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli feels “sorry” for Arsenal after drawing the Gunners in the Europa League last-16.
AC Milan bigwig Massimiliano Mirabelli has taunted Arsenal ahead of their Europa League clash
Serie A giants Milan beat Arsenal in the Champions League in 2012 and will hope to dump them out of Europe again when the two sides clash next month.
“I’m sorry for Arsenal, who I'm sure would have liked to have continued in Europe,” Mirabelli said.
“It would have been a nice final, but I'm happy. It's best to face a big club like Arsenal now. We needed opponents like these.”
Milan’s club manager Christian Abbiati believes it will be a “fascinating encounter”.
The former goalkeeper faced Arsenal in the Champions League last-16 clash six years ago but the Gunners will be hoping to do better this time around.
I’m sorry for Arsenal, who I'm sure would have liked to have continued in Europe
They lost the first leg in Milan 4-0 before restoring some pride with a 3-0 win in the reverse fixture.
Abbiati said: ”It was a disaster at London, where we lost 3-0, but in the end, we made it through.
“I hope we don't see the same mistakes this time. Milan are in good form at the moment with some good results and I hope we can keep it up.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger takes his side to Milan next month
“This is definitely not the same Arsenal as back then and we meet them in what is a positive moment for us, even if we've got lots of games coming up with the league and the Coppa Italia. Playing games like this motivates you by itself.”
Arsenal - who suffered a scare to progress against Ostersunds in the round of 32 - will travel to the San Siro for the first leg on Thursday, March 8.
The second leg takes place at the Emirates Stadium the following week on Thursday, March 15.