Fabianski backs old club Arsenal to retain The FA Cup

Tuesday 12 May 2015
Lukasz Fabianski returned to Arsenal with Swansea City on Monday evening
Arsenal will potentially have two Polish goalkeepers willing them to victory against Aston Villa in this year's FA Cup Final.

Wojciech Szczesny has been manager Arsene Wenger's first choice for much of their run to Wembley, just as fellow countryman Lukasz Fabianski was last season.

Arsenal v Aston Villa

The FA Cup Final
5.30pm, Saturday 30 May 2015
Wembley connected by EE
Live on BBC and BT Sport
Winners receive £1.8m from prize fund

Fabianski played in all six of the Gunners' FA Cup ties last term, featuring in wins over Tottenham, Coventry, Liverpool and Everton before emerging as their hero in the semi-final shoot-out win over Wigan Athletic and then lifting The Cup alongside his team-mates after their extra-time Final win over Hull.

The Poland international, who spent seven years as a Gunner, was back at Arsenal just weeks before this year's Final on Monday night and once again earned a standing ovation from the north London fans – but this time because of his man-of-the-match display in helping his new club Swansea City secure a surprise 1-0 Premier League win.

The disappointed home supporters stayed behind in large numbers to give Fabianski a memorable send off, partly in recognition of his performance on the night, but also to salute his place in their FA Cup folklore.

Lukasz Fabianski has joined Swansea City on a free transfer

Fabianski won The FA Cup with Arsenal last year before joining Swansea City this season

"It was a special moment," said Fabianski afterwards. 

"I am not going to lie as I was happy to receive a reception like that. It tells you you are remembered for something positive and behaving in the right way. I really appreciated the reception they gave me."

Now he is hoping the Arsenal supporters will be cheering again when they face Villa at Wembley on 30 May.

The 30-year-old added: "They won it last year so they have a really good chance to win it again. 

"They have a strong team and they have the quality to do it. I will be watching, as I keep in touch with the players here."

By FA Staff