Anderson ready for Barca battle

United star anticipates European epic

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 16th April 2008

Anderson Man U v Roma

Anderson: Ready for Barca

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Manchester United ace Anderson has described the UEFA Champions League showdown with Barcelona as the most important match of his life.

United face Barcelona in the semi-finals with the first leg at the Camp Nou on 23rd April, a match which can be seen live on Sky Sports 2, before the Spanish giants travel to Old Trafford six days later.

And midfielder Anderson, who joined United from Porto last summer, believes the clash with Barcelona will be equivalent to the final of Europe's premier club competition.

"For me, it is like playing the final," Anderson told Sport.es.

Important

"Playing against Barcelona will be the most important match of my life and I think it will be like the final of the Champions League.

"In fact, I think it is an early final because we are the two teams left in the competition with the best record."

Barcelona have suffered a string of injury problems this season and influential duo Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho are unlikely to be at full fitness for the final four meeting with United.

But Anderson insists the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Deco, Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry are reasons for United to be wary.

Excellent

"Ronaldinho will not play and Messi will not be fit to arrive at their best," Anderson added.

"But Barcelona's squad is excellent. I like Iniesta and he is my favourite player at Barcelona.

"And then there is Xavi, Deco, Eto'o, Henry. It is a great team."