Santos' Elano relishing taking on 'the best team in the world' in Barcelona at Club World Cup

Santos star Elano has confessed he is relishing the prospect of facing Barcelona in the Club World Cup after his side's Copa Libertadores triumph over Penarol.

The playmaker and his club will participate in December's Fifa Club World Cup after lifting the South American title for the first time since 1963, and when asked by reporters how he felt about facing the Camp Nou giants, he enthused: “It's delicious, we're going to meet the best team in the world. We are there on merit."

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Elano added that the result has given him impetus to go on and succeed with Brazil at the Copa America in Argentina.

He added, "I will arrive [in Argentina] very happy. I hope to have a great Copa America with the Selecao.”

Elano's decision to end a six-year spell in Europe and return to his homeland at the start of this year has proven an excellent one. The 30-year-old midfielder has helped Santos win the Campeonato Paulista, finishing as the tournament's joint-leading marksman in the process, and cemented a place in Mano Menezes' new-look Brazil squad.

Speaking more about the the win over Penarol, where goals from Neymar and Danilo defeated the Uruguayan side 2-1 at the Pacaembu on Wednesday night, the former Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester City and Galatasaray man admitted it was a tough game, but believes Muricy Ramalho's men were worthy winners.

“We knew it would be difficult, we were conscious of who we were going to meet,” said Elano. “It was a spectacular match. We fought hard, respected all of our opponents, and now we have to celebrate because we're champions and deserved ones.”

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