After drawing Arsenal in the next round of the Europa League, AC Milan have wasted no time in winding up their English opposition.

Milan sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli claims he feels sorry for Arsenal after the draw as, if they hadn’t drawn the Serie A giants, they could have made it far in the European competition.

“I’m sorry for Arsenal, who I’m sure would have liked to have continued in Europe,” he said, reports ESPN. “It would have been a nice final, but I’m happy. It’s best to face a big club like Arsenal now. We needed opponents like these.”

Massimiliano Mirabelli 2
CROTONE, ITALY – AUGUST 20: Sporting director of Milan Massimiliano Mirabelli during the Serie A match between FC Crotone and AC Milan on August 20, 2017 in Crotone, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Joker.

Of course, the 48-year-old is deliberately being patronising in order to troll Arsenal fans. He wasn’t being serious.

Even though Milan haven’t been beaten since December, they’ve had a stinker of a season so far and they’re still down in seventh in the Italian league.

Therefore, if Arsenal really turn up at the San Siro and again at the Emirates on 8 and 15 March, they have every chance of beating Milan.

Obviously, if you’ve watched Arsenal in action this season, you know it’s not that simple.

Joking or not, Mirabell’s arrogant comments have got fans fired up and hopefully they do the same for the team.

If I was Arsene Wenger, I’d be passing out pamphlets with them on at London Colney.

Last time Arsenal faced Milan in February 2012, Wenger’s men were thrashed 4-0 in Italy before attempting a comeback in north London. They managed to score three but couldn’t quite do enough and were knocked out.

Arsenal fans don’t want this to happen again.