Arsenal v Real Madrid: Reactions

Earlier today the Gunners drew Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League, and players, managers, pundits and the media have been reacting in droves about the mouth watering tie.

Arsenal vice chairman, Double D had this to say.

'It is pure showbusiness, I think it's fantastic'

'Of course it's one of the draws of the round. We've never ever played Real Madrid before in Europe.

'They are of course one of the great teams of Europe when they've won the European Cup and Champions League nine times so we've got to do it for the first time.

'We would never underestimate a club like Real Madrid because they have such power and depth so we will not underestimate them on any count.

'That's what cup games are all about, you get that all the time.

'It would have been nice to get them in the final, a lot of our boys know the way to Paris alright.'

Arsene Wenger gave his reaction to the draw.

'I'm convinced that we can do it and I see the quality we have,' although conceded that it will 'be a difficult game'.

'Ideally, we'd prefer to play them much later but that's the problem, you don't choose,'
'It is a difficult draw but makeable. It's exciting as well. Of course, the first game in Madrid will have a huge impact on qualification as that's where it will be decided.'

Earlier in the week David Beckham expressed his desire to come up against an English team in the next round and the Real Madrid midfielder got his wish.

'I've been at Real Madrid for two-and-a-half years and I've never played in England with Real Madrid. But I've always wanted to'

'I'm very excited about Arsenal, they'll be very difficult. I've got enormous respect for Arsene Wenger. He's not only a great person but also an excellent manager and trainer'

'Arsenal have got really passionate fans and they're right on top of the team and the pitch. It'll be a good atmosphere but a hard game.

'Every team that plays in the Santiago Bernabeu loves it. It's intimidating for opposing teams, they'll enjoy it but not too much.'