Arsenal vs Barcelona: Hector Bellerin pleased he made the transition to the Emirates

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin believes that growing up in the Barcelona youth academy has done him a world of good, which has helped him translate his talent on the pitch to become one of the best right-backs in the Premier Legue. The 20-year-old joined Arsene Wenger's men in 2011 and after a few years in the reserves, his major break came in 2015 when he prevailed in a 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad.

The Spaniard will face Barcelona for the first time since moving to the Emirates and Wenger will be hoping that he can live up to expectations and provide a performance of note to help the Gunners into the quarter-finals. The Gunners have never progressed into the next round at the expense of Barcelona, having been beaten over three ties and also in the 2006 Champions League final, where the north London club failed to hold on to a 1-0 lead.

Bellerin is thankful that he made the transition from Barcelona to Arsenal, two clubs with the same football philosophy, which helped him settle in quickly. The youngster revealed that it would be a momentous occasion for him, given that his family and friends are in Spain and the reverse fixture would be the first time that he would make his way back to the Nuo Camp.

"They are both very big clubs and they have a lot of humility, like to play the ball and are very close to the fans. It's nice that you're coming from a club that has a football philosophy about keeping the ball, being in advanced positions around the pitch, playing one-touch around the box," Bellerin told Arsenal's official website.

"It's nice that you come to Arsenal from that club and you're doing the same stuff that you've learned already. You share all the knowledge that your teammates have and that's very important. It definitely made it easier for me to adapt.

"I'm wearing another shirt now and I'm very proud of it. I'm proud to wear the Arsenal badge. When the news came that we had them in the draw, everyone was really, really happy. I've got all of my family and friends over there so it will be a great night."