Nostalgic..That’s how I feel on FA Cup Final day!!

For me, The FA Cup is the most iconic cup competition in the world and I love watching the Final. So many great memories of watching Chelsea play with my Dad.

1994; I went to my first FA cup final where I painfully watch Man Utd beat Chelsea 4-0. Eric Cantona was in a different class to everyone else on the pitch and I cried as I watch the Utd players lift the trophy.

1997: “When Wise went up to lift the FA Cup, we were there, we were there!!” Wembley again but no tears this time as Chelsea beat Middlesborough 2-0. Roberto Di Matteo giving us the lead within 42 seconds of kick off before Eddie Newton sealed the victory for us. Dennis Wise lifts the trophy on a sunny May afternoon.

2000; The last FA Cup Final to be held at Wembley before the renovation work started. A great day out with my Dad topped off by the fact that Chelsea beat Aston Villa 1-0 thanks to another cup final goal from Roberto Di Matteo. Taking in one final look at the iconic twin towers was emotional. If only I had a camera phone in those days.

2002; Off to Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and the pain of Ray Parlours screamer from 25 yards out. Arsenal going on to beat us 2-0. A long and boozy journey home back to London.

2007; The New Wembley Stadium hosted a repeat of ’94 as Chelsea played Man Utd.  Didier Drogba‘s extra time goal sealed a domestic cup double for the Blues in the 2006–07 season.

2009; A family affair as Chelsea played Everton. My Dad and I spent the day in the pub with the Scouse part of our family. Louis Saha scored the fastest ever goal in an FA Cup Final (25 seconds) Didier Drogba equalised before Frank Lampard scored the winner giving Chelsea a 2-1 victory and their 5th FA Cup.

2010; A third FA cup in 4 years as Chelsea return to Wembley to beat Portsmouth 1-0. Petr Cech saved a penalty before Didier Drogba scored for Chelsea 4 minutes later to win the game.

2012; A family affair part 2. This time Chelsea faced off against Liverpool but the outcome was the same. A 2-1 victory for the Blues with “the king of cup final” Didier Drogba scoring the winner.

2017; Arsenal and Chelsea went head to head once again in a repeat of my miserable trip to Cardiff. Arsenal again spoiling my day, winning the game 2-1 

2018; The trilogy, as Chelsea played Man Utd in the FA Cup final for the 3rd time in 24 years. Eden Hazard winning and scoring a penalty in a tight 1-0 victory for the blues

2020; The London trilogy as Arsenal and Chelsea going head to head in this seasons final. Due to Covid 19 I won’t be travelling to London to watch the game with my Dad. Instead I will be staying at home in my Villa in Dubai, opening a bottle of red wine and Zoom calling my Dad.

What are your FA Cup Final memories?