Arsenal win 5-4 on penalties

The FA Cup Final
Saturday 21 May 2005
£1,000,000 to the winning club



Dennis Bergkamp has a double reason to celebrate today after winning The FA Cup and earning a new one-year contract.

The Dutch legend played a crucial part in Arsenal's victory over Manchester United on penalties in Cardiff - and then revealed he has agreed to play on for one more year.

Bergkamp's future was in doubt in the build-up to the game because he hadn't yet been offered an extension to his contract. But now he says a deal is very close.

"I will be playing next year, for one more season, so that is good," said the striker, who will also be offered a testimonial.

"It's a good day for me. Every season we need a trophy, and this is something special. It’s fantastic. It makes us feel like we have had a successful year.

"We have won a trophy and that’s what matters. Now we have to go on from here and win the Champions League next season."

Despite that, Bergkamp admitted it wasn't exactly a vintage Arsenal performance against their old rivals in Cardiff, and in some ways they were fortunate to snatch victory in a shoot-out.

He said: "United were the better side, that’s for sure. They really outplayed us at some moments. They created chances but if you don’t score the other team knows you are afraid when it comes to penalties.

"We didn’t have the luck in the league games against them so we’re pleased to win this one. It was important for the club."