David Raya will see many familiar faces from the national camp when **Arsenal**travel to Athletic Club for his 100th appearance with the Gunners. He looks forward to playing at the stadium against friends for the first time and particularly picked out an "amazing goalkeeper" among enemy lines.
‘There’s going to be a lot of pressure’
Raya is a **Spain**international, but he never played at the **San Mames**at club level before this meeting, having moved to the lower leagues of English football as a teenager. He has relied on other squad members from La Roja who have been based in the Basque Country to know what to expect.
*“It was one of the Spanish stadiums that I have always enjoyed playing in. What I talk about with my teammates: Unai Simon, Nico Williams, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, people that have played in Spain know that it's an incredible stadium. It's always been a stadium that I've enjoyed playing in.”*
He has played 11 times for his nation and knows that Spanish supporters will be up for the game.
“We know it's going to be a very good atmosphere. We know that the fans are incredible and there's going to be a lot of pressure from the beginning or from the time we're warming up and that's what we're here for. We play for the fans. So, I am very much looking forward to playing and very excited.”
The 30-year-old will clash with Unai Simón, who is the first-choice shot stopper for **Spain**and guards the net for Athletic Club. He is a player who has commanded great respect over the years.
“We played against each other in the preseason and now we're going to be playing against each other in the Champions League. We haven't talked too much about it, but as a goalkeeper, there's no need for me to say what I think about him. He's an amazing goalkeeper.”
A 3-0 win over the Basque outfit at the Emirates Stadium in preseason is not on the mind of either goalkeeper. The Champions League raises the stakes, and both look forward to facing each other.
“He's a guarantee here and in the national team. He's incredible. It's a pleasure to be able to share the dressing room with him in the national squad and it'll be a pleasure to be on the pitch with him.”