While most people are dreading the day that they can no longer have the absolute pleasure of watching Lionel Messi working his magic on a football pitch, Alvaro Arbeloa can't wait.
The Spaniard came up against the five-time Ballon d'Or playing for both Liverpool and Real Madrid - often being torn apart by Messi in various El Clasicos.
And clearly the 36-year old is still bitter about it all, as despite calling Messi "a great player", he's had some pretty weird things to say about the Argentine.
Appearing on Spanish TV station El Chiringuito, he said: "I respect Barcelona a lot, as they're a great team with a great player like Lionel Messi. He's very good.
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"[But] I've never been able to enjoy him and I don't think I ever will. I hope he retires before long. I'm counting down the days."
The European Championship and World Cup winner always rejected the notion that he hates Barcelona, but did admit he always wants them to lose because of his attachment to Real.
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"I'm not anti-Barcelona," Arbeloa said, per MARCA.
"Real Madrid fans aren't anti-Barcelona. I always want them to lose because that's good for Real Madrid.
"Would I want them to fail to go through in the Champions League? Yes, [because there would] be one less rival. Barcelona were always a challenging team, they're a great team.
"I always went out to beat them. I've always seen tension in El Clasicos, even seeing Zinedine Zidane with his hands around Luis Enrique's neck."
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Though Messi won't be around forever, it seems Arbeloa will have a fair few more years to wait before the 32-year old packs it in.
He's been in incredible form this season, scoring 29 times in all competitions and making 14 assists for his teammates.
The day that he eventually does retire will be a sad one as football will never be the same again.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, FC Barcelona, Football, El Clasico, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Argentina, Spain, Real Madrid
