Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara insists there's nothing but respect for Champions League quarterfinal opponents Real Madrid.

Ahead of the resumption of their rivalries, former Barcelona midfielder Thiago has admitted the entire squad have the utmost respect for their upcoming opponents.

Speaking to AS, Thiago said: “Our reaction was that we have complete respect for Real Madrid, the respect that Champions League quarter-final opponents are obviously due. And we can't wait for the games to come.

“It's a wonderful competition and a tie against a fantastic side. We'll go into it with the respect for Madrid that they deserve."

Thiago meanwhile, has admitted that had the situation been different, he could have been playing in La Liga.

While refusing to comment specifically on a move to Real, he did claim that there was an offer from the Spanish top-flight, although Liverpool was always his preferred option.

"It was a possibility, but at the end of the day I felt that if I left Bayern it had to be to experience the Premier League, a really competitive league," he explained.

"When I got the call from the coach and the club, it was a really easy decision to make. It was a tough decision to leave Bayern, though. In the end it happened and I'm really happy."