We need to beat Chelsea! History only knows the winner

Petr, will this final be an emotional one?

The first two matches against Chelsea were emotional. The Community Shield 2015 at Wembley and my first return to Stamford Bridge.

Only those two? Really?

These games will always be special for me because you can hardly erase from your head the fifteen trophies and eleven years that I spent at Chelsea. But I’ve found a way how to stop myself from dwelling on it. The second season with Arsenal has taught me. The most important thing is that no matter who our opponent is, my desire to win is still the same. It’s nice to reach a final, but it doesn’t really mean anything much. History only remembers the winner. Especially since we haven’t made it into the UEFA Champions League this year.

By the way, you won the FA Cup for the first time exactly ten years ago. Do you remember that?

Sure, it was the very first match held at the new Wembley Stadium. We defeated Manchester United after extra time.

Have you changed a lot since then? You have the comparison now that you’ve turned thirty-five.

Physically it’s still more or less the same. I work hard every day to keep in shape and age hasn’t left its mark on me yet, thank God. But having played hundreds of matches I now have a lot of priceless experience. The 2017 Petr Čech has a big advantage, being this experienced. I believe I will prove it on Saturday.