Arsenal’s France midfielder Abou Diaby has been quoted as saying he would like to play for one of Spain’s top two clubs.
Diaby, whose club side face Barcelona next week in the last 16 of the Champions League, has, according to ESPN, told the Spanish sports magazine Don Balon that he would like to play for the Catalans or Real Madrid later in his career.
The 24-year-old, who was sent off in his most recent Gunners outing – the stunning 4-4 draw at Newcastle United, would ideally like to join his upcoming Champions League opponents down the line, a fact that may not be looked two favourably on by his current club’s supporters, given Barca's high-profile chase of Cesc Fabregas over the past few months.
"At some point I would like to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid, but I would prefer to play for Barca, because I prefer their style," said the midfielder.
On the upcoming European encounters, he added: "We played them last season, and we found them at their highest degree of effectiveness, both individually and collectively.
"This year will be the same, so we know what to expect. Barca are a great team, and this year they are very strong.
"(Lionel) Messi is the best in the world. We all know that the Argentine is a great player who can make the difference at any time, but we cannot focus only on him."