Theo Walcott has explained why Lionel Messi features in his abiding Champions League memory
Walcott scored as the Gunners came back from a 2-0 down against the Catalian giants in 2010 to draw the first Leg of their quater final at the Emirates.
Messi brilliancy ensured Arsenal exited the competition.
However, Walcott has fond memories of that tie.
"That [home leg] was a great night and a great performance,” he told the Arsenal Magazine.
“I also remember something which happened before the return leg in Spain.
“I was doing the press conference at the Nou Camp the night before the game and I saw Lionel Messi at the top of the stairs. I was chatting to him, then the boss came up to me afterwards and joked, 'Theo, why didn’t you push him down the stairs?!’
“That has never left me, I thought it was brilliant, really funny from the boss.
“I think he scored four goals the next day as well. It’s things like that that are great memories, because people don’t see that side of it.
“That home game against Barcelona was definitely something special though."