'No fear' for Arsenal's Running Man

Mathieu Flamini insists playing at San Siro holds "absolutely no fear" for Arsenal FC as they prepare to take on AC Milan at one of the most intimidating arenas in world football.

San Siro factor
Arsenal's players will experience a wall of noise generated by an 83,000 sell-out crowd when they take to the turf at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Tuesday, looking to score the all-important away goal which might be enough to see them though to the last eight of the UEFA Champions League. The sides drew 0-0 in London two weeks ago and the Gunners are hoping to turn over the holders on their own patch – something no European team have done since LOSC Lille Métropole triumphed here in December 2006.

'No fear'
However, Flamini is relishing the occasion. "You know when you become a footballer you want to take part in these kind of matches, you really look forward to them and enjoy them," he said. "But there is certainly no fear on our part. No, no. We had quite a few chances against them in the first leg so we know we can score against them. It's important that we score but we know we have the quality to do that."

Running Man
Flamini has been a revelation for Arsenal this season. Since deposing Gilberto in his midfield general role at the start of the campaign, he has kept his place with a string of consistent, tireless performances which have earned the 23-year-old the nickname 'Running Man'. In many ways, the French international controls the tempo of the side and, against Milan, he will also attempt to cut out the supply to the European Footballer of the Year.

'Pleasure'
"My job is going to be very important because we are playing against a very big team," he added. "Kaká is a great player. We will have to stop him and I know it will be very difficult because he drifts between the midfield and the attack so well. But it is a real pleasure to play against a great player like that. I'm looking forward to it and am confident we will do what we have to do.

'Confident'
"It will be a tough match and we know we have to be very careful against them. But we must stick to our own game and be stronger than them. I think they will attack us more than in the first leg because they are playing at home. We know that a goal will put us in a strong position and we are very confident of attacking them and scoring. We have a lot of confidence. We are top of the league in England so we are very confident indeed."