Mikel Arteta expects a tough test in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages on Wednesday night at Estadio do Dragao.
Ahead of the first leg of the round of 16, Porto are third in Primeira Liga, seven points behind Benfica and Sporting Lisbon after a 2-0 win over Estrela Amadora on Saturday.
In Europe, Porto finished joint top of their group with Barcelona, taking four wins from six games.
“I’m really impressed with Porto, I know the manager really well and the history that they have,” Mikel said in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday night.
“They have a lot of experience in the competition, they have many qualities in many phases of play, that’s why they are always competitive in the European competitions.
“It’s a really tough opponent that we are going to face, but at the same time we are very excited. It’s been seven years that we haven’t been here and we are all full of energy and excitement to play the game we want to tomorrow.”
Asked for his thoughts on Portuguese football in general, Mikel added: “They are first of all very passionate, which is the first thing ingredient you have to know. Great coaches and great academies, among the best in Europe for sure, and it’s not a coincidence how many talents they develop and how successful they are in many leagues. It tells you the story about their culture and how they are raised. I’m a big fan of it.”
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