Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky feels they can be proud of their performance against AC Milan.

Rosicky took heart from a rousing performance in front of a noisy Emirates crowd.

"I am proud of my team-mates because what we produced today was great football, but it's sad because obviously we are out of the competition," Rosicky told Arsenal Player. "We can go out with our heads held high but we blew it in Milan.

"We knew [that we would be making history if we came back] and that's what the boss told us in the pre-match speech. Who wouldn't want to be part of something special? So of course we were up for it and I think you could see that. So it's a shame.

"The early goal was definitely a big boost for us, when you score so early it gives you a boost. Even if we hadn't scored so early we would have kept coming because you have to do that, you have to keep pounding the rock. An early goal makes you think it's possible so it was vital."