Chelsea's Moises Caicedo returns to Wembley for a second successive Emirates FA Cup semi-final, and this year he's hoping for a better outcome.
The Blues take on current holders Manchester City on Saturday (5.15pm BST), with a place in the FA Cup Final at stake.
You can read the full interview with Moises in the official match programme, which is available to order online or pick up a copy at Wembley on Saturday.
Moises, you’ve played in all of the Emirates FA Cup games so far this season, what has been your highlight?
My favourite game was against Villa away [in the fourth round replay]. It was a massive match in which we showed our football, and showed good character. It was a good performance from everybody. We went there with a lot of confidence and we showed that.
How big is this competition for you personally?
It’s really big. Last season I was close to getting to the Final [with Brighton], and again this season I have the opportunity to reach the Final. It would be massive to win this title because it’s so important for us as a team, and for me. That’s why we’re working hard to make it happen.
It’s Manchester City up next, what challenges are you expecting?
I expect it to be a tough game, for sure. They’re one of the best teams in the world right now and they have a lot of good players. We have as well, so it will be tough for both. It will be difficult, but we are confident that we can beat them.
You come from humble beginnings and now you’re preparing to appear at Wembley for the second time this season. You must be proud?
First of all, I’m so happy because going to Wembley is massive. To go there to play a semi-final and final is so good because everybody is watching you and how you play. A lot of players would like to play at this stage and I’m so happy to be one of the players who has the opportunity; I just hope I can do my bit to help the team win.
Do you ever reflect on how far you’ve come to reach this point?
Just over two years ago, I made my debut in the Premier League. Look at me now. Two years ago I didn’t play at Brighton, now I’m at one of the best teams in the world, in one of the best midfields in the world. I’m seen as an idol for a lot of children in Ecuador. I’m so happy, I’m so proud for myself, my family is so proud as well. It is all for God because I prayed a lot when I came here, and look now. I work hard because to play in the Premier League is always hard, but I’m dedicated to work hard, to show my football.
Having played in last season’s FA Cup semi-final as well, what are your memories and lessons from that day?
It was a good experience, I learned a lot. It was a massive game, now I’m more confident because I’ve played there before. It does you good to play against big teams as well to show our football and show who we are.
How important is it for you and the team to come out of this season with a trophy?
Yeah, it’s so important for the club, for the players. It will be a good season for us. With a trophy it will be like we’ve finished well, because we are a new team, new squad. To win a trophy with a new squad is so massive.
