'I don't know if I can stop Arsenal's Robin van Persie' - AC Milan's Thiago Silva

The Rossoneri centre-back has spoken of his side's need to be on top form to stop the Gunners, who will attempt to repeat their famous 2-0 knock-out victory from 2008

14 Feb 2012 20:24:00

By Matthew Woodward

More On :  AC Milan, Arsenal FC, Robin van Persie, Thiago Silva, Thierry Henry, AC Milan vs Arsenal FC
Thiago Silva - Milan (Getty Images)
Getty Images

AC Milan centre-back Thiago Silva has revealed his concern at facing Arsenal striker Robin van Persie ahead of the Rossoneri's Champions League last 16 clash with the Gunners on Wednesday night.

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The 27-year-old is wary of the Premier League side's attacking threat and has outlined the importance of a good first-leg performance at San Siro in order to keep Arsene Wenger's men at bay.

"If you do something wrong at home, you're out," Silva told UEFA.com.

"Arsenal are a great team. We must watch out for the quality of all their players. Over 180 minutes, if you do something wrong in the home leg you're out.

"This will be a match full of quality and I hope we manage to impose our style of football and go through."

The Italian outfit have been dominated by English teams in the recent past, with newcomers Tottenham knocking out the seven-time champions last season, while bowing out to Manchester United in 2009-10 and Arsenal in 2008.

Although the Brazilian international singled out in-form striker Van Persie and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as the men to stop, he is aware that doing so may prove a difficult task.

"Van Persie and Henry can decide the match at any time. I don't know whether I'll be able to stop the Dutchman ‒ we'll have to see," said Silva.

Silva also hinted at a shock return for international team-mate Alexandre Pato in time for Wednesday's clash, believing the 22-year-old could make all the difference.

"He's a great player and a great person," said the centre-back. "We all hope to see him back at the highest level as soon as possible. If he is feeling good, he can make a difference for us – maybe even on Wednesday."

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