ALEX SONG is dreaming of a Champions League showdown between Arsenal and Barcelona.
The Cameroon international left the Emirates for the Nou Camp in a £15million move in the summer.
Arsenal were knocked out by the Spanish giants in the knockout stages both in 2010 and 2011 and the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League will be staged in Nyon, Switzerland tomorrow.
Song, 25, said: "Of course, I would like to play against Arsenal.
"For me to go back there, where I had seven magnificent years, would be something very special.
"If we draw Arsenal I'd be happy to see the fans again, go back to the club, even though if we go there it will be to get the best result possible.
"Arsenal's a big club, but I think Barcelona's a level above, because of the talent of the players there.
"That's no disrespect to Arsenal, because they have talented players, but I think the Barcelona players are above. I saw a lot of people come and a lot of people go at Arsenal."
The inconsistent Gunners have come in for plenty of criticism this season and Song added: "It hurts to see them now because the Arsenal players have talent and potential.
"Given all that manager Arsene Wenger has done there I don't think it's normal that the situation is the way it is today.
"New players have come in and you have to give them time to adapt — and I think that when they have adapted, things will be better."
Song has now established himself at the Nou Camp and has no regrets about opting to leave London.
He said: "Everything's going well at the moment as we have started the season well.
"You can't say the league title's already in our pocket, but we've taken a big step. We're playing well but we can't afford to drop points. I had some great times at Arsenal but I think it was the moment for me to change, to see something else, given the fact I had the opportunity to come to Barcelona, one of the best teams in the world.
"I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I'm getting there step-by-step. Now when the coach gives me the chance to show what I can do, I have to seize the opportunity.
"Barcelona are a team of champions, I think there will be opportunities here. I have five years left on my contract and I know I have to work hard.
"It's up to me to show what I can do. I've improved enormously.
"I've been here four months and, honestly, I'm seeing the changes.
"The fact I'm working with them every day in training, I think, as a player, I will go on to have even more credibility with regards to the season I had last year.
"You have to be here to experience it. We work enormously hard in training, every day we work hard to practise closing down, short passes and movement.
"When the day of the match comes people think it's easy, but there's nothing easy about it. We work hard."
Song still keeps in touch with some of his former Arsenal team-mates, but expressed his disappointment that Gunners midfielder Abou Diaby has suffered from a string of injuries that has blighted his career in England.
He said: "I've always said Abou is one of the best midfielders around.Is he fragile? I don't know. I think that when he starts playing game after game he will be one of the best, because he's a fantastic player."
Song says he is loving playing alongside Spanish international and former Gunner Cesc Fabregas, who returned to Barcelona from the Emirates the previous year.
"I know Cesc, we grew up together at Arsenal. I was 17," said Song.
"I get on with him, and he's helped me a lot. The first day I arrived, I stayed at his place for two days.
"He grew up with Barcelona, he knows what it's about here, so he gave me a few tips to help me settle. I'm happy to have him here."
Song, who has made 14 appearances for Barca, is also enjoying playing alongside superstars like Spain ace Andres Iniesta and Argentinian wizard Lionel Messi.
The leaders are currently nine points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Song added: "I'd say they are monsters on the pitch. I've arrived in a team where there are players of the highest level.
"Honestly, the technical ability here is above the norm. When you see this every day in training it makes you want more.
"Every day in training I learn something new, whether it's technically or tactically. There's no comparison."
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