'I have been dreaming about these games for a long time'

Arthur will be one of Barcelona's midfield contenders for their Champions League second-leg against Lyon. An encounter in which Barcelona will be the favourites, but in which the first-leg score of 0-0 functions as a warning to Valverde's team to not be overconfident in the face of the French team's danger.

"We are very focused and we know the risks we are taking. We have high hopes of winning and we have to dominate the pitch in the best way possible", Arthur commented in the press conference.

The midfielder was asking about his presence at Neymar's birthday party when he was injured. He answered sincerely by saying, "I was wrong to go to Paris for the party. This happens in life, sometimes you are right and sometimes you are wrong. I was excited to go and I'm old enough to take my own responsibilities. I apologise if it caused upset".

The Champions League is different

Arthur defined the Champions League as "a special competition" which made him feel different when he played against Tottenham in England: "When I played at Wembley it was a fantastic feeling. I have been dreaming about these games for a long time, I'm sure it will be a great spectacle", he stated.

When asked about Coutinho, his compatriot, he said he is "a star, one of the best in the world", but that there are matches "in which he knows he hasn't played his best football". Despite this, Arthur has not lost faith: "Those who know him well know what he is capable of".

Thoughts on Neymar's future

He was also asked about the other Brazilian, Neymar. Will the PSG player go back to Madrid? "It's an option which he has to evaluate. As his friend I wish him the best. I don't know if he will decide to continue with PSG or go to another club. As his friend I wish him the best", he reiterated.

Arthur defined living in Barcelona as "a dream" and that he hopes "that it doesn't happen too fast". "I feel very fortunate to be a part of this group. It is a huge responsibility", he stated.

With regard to his fitness, after coming back from injury, Arthur was clear: "Everyone knows that when you return from injury, it takes to get back into the rhythm of the game, but I'm feeling good and I'm 100% prepared to play the full 90 minutes. I would like to thank the doctors who helped me because it was a tough time".