Crystal Palace made history at Wembley on Saturday as they overcame Manchester City to win the FA Cup but one Eagles star had to miss out on some of the celebrations after they claimed the trophy
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton had to sit out of his side’s FA Cup celebrations after being floored by Kevin De Bruyne. The Eagles lifted the trophy for the first time in their history at Wembley on Saturday against Manchester City.
Eberechi Eze’s goal was enough to secure victory for Oliver Glasner’s side, with goalkeeper Dean Henderson also proving key. The final whistle triggered wild celebrations in one half of Wembley.
But midfielder Wharton was not able to join in. He was undergoing checks for concussion after the game having taken a particularly powerful shot from De Bruyne straight to the head and required treatment from Palace’s medical team.
The England midfielder was able to carry on but needed further checks after the full-time whistle. Meanwhile, there were no celebrations for De Bruyne, whose final season at the club has ended without a trophy.
Speaking about his departing teammate, Bernardo Silva said: “It was sad we couldn’t win it for him. We wanted to give him this, he deserves it so it’s a bit sad. I can’t imagine achieving all this success without him.
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“He is a good friend of mine, I’m sad to see him go. I hoped and wished he would stay longer but this is life. I wish him all the best.”
One man who was determined to make the best of the celebrations was match-winner Eze. He had a particularly emotional response after the final whistle. He said: “This is special, I don’t even know what to say. Thank God, only God could do this. Facing the team that’s been the best in the world for years, to show that type of spirit and energy… only God.”
Speaking about his strike, he added: “I couldn’t breathe! City keep the ball so well, you have to work so hard to get anything from them. When you get in their box you have to make the chance count. I’ve come a long way. To be in this position now – it’s hard to use the right words here.”
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Meanwhile, De Bruyne also spoke out on his future after the FA Cup final and revealed how would make his mind up. He said: “I want to play good football, whatever the decision might be, you try to guess where I’m going to go but when I make my decision, you guys will know when I know.
“I don’t know, it depends who comes. It depends. Like I said to my Belgian colleagues, I have a family, I have young kids and I have to take a decision that suits everybody, not just me. When I’m 20 years old, I can think about myself and make a decision that is very easy but now it’s a bit more complex.”
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