With the Premier League and Carabao Cup decided for this season, there remains one trophy on the English football calendar up for grabs, and as the season draws to a close, two teams are vying to clinch the last piece of silverware available this year.
The FA Cup Final represents the chance for one team to make history, and for another to put to rights an otherwise tricky campaign. Crystal Palace and Manchester City will face off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday and this game offers two very different propositions for both teams.
For Palace, this will be their third FA Cup Final in history, having previously come up short against Manchester United in 1990 and more recently in 2016. Having never won a current top-division trophy in their history, Saturday offers the team the chance to write their name into the history books and claim their first trophy in domestic football for over 30 years.
On the other hand, City fell short in both domestic competitions this year, losing out to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and Carabao Cup, respectively. With the chance to make amends in a challenging season, the prospect of winning yet another FA Cup, having previously won seven, most recently in 2023, offers a promising conclusion to a difficult year for the Citizens.
Footballer Fits linked up with Crystal Palace and USMNT defender Chris Richards and Manchester City’s Brazilian winger Savinho to discuss the final, fan love, fashion and everything in between.
Footballer Fits: How are you feeling ahead of your first FA Cup Final?
Chris Richards: “Optimistic for sure. We’ve had two games against City this year, and we’ve had some sort of success against them this season, but we’re fine-tuning the small details. Hopefully, we can come out victorious.”
Savinho: “I feel very happy, looking forward to it, it’s my second final here for Manchester City. I’m buzzing to be playing another final for Manchester City, even in a difficult season for us, we’ve managed to reach a cup final.”
What was it like playing at Wembley Stadium for the first time?
Chris Richards: “It was dope! The Palace fans really turned up for us, before the game, and after the game, everybody was there cheering us on, no matter what. It was just an amazing experience.”
Savinho: “So happy – what a stadium! I always tell my family that it’s one of my favourite stadiums here after the Etihad. I was really pleased to make my debut there against Manchester United in a final, and now we have another final there too. It will be special to have my family in the stands again as they were last time!”
First person you will call if you win the Final?
Chris Richards: “I’d call my dad. He didn’t know anything about football until I was 15 years old, but he’s become a football fan and he understands the importance of it. I also have a little brother who plays, so I think those two would probably be the first people I’d call.”
Savinho: “My wife and the rest of my family.”
First goal for the Club – what are your memories of it?
Chris Richards: “First goal was Burnley at home last year, 3-0 win. I was fiending for a goal to be fair. I think I had a few chances that season that didn’t go in. But I saw Jordan get the ball, and he always stressed to everybody that if he crosses, it’s going to go back post, so I was just hanging back and it came to me and I got my head on it.”
Savinho: “Pure joy. It was a tricky time as I was so eager to score my first goal for the Club. I scored the goal and dedicated it to my daughter, who was about to be born. It was a great feeling and the goal gave me a lot of confidence.”
First time you felt the love of the fans? How did it feel?
Chris Richards: “Pretty early on, to be honest. As a new player coming in, feeling the love and embrace of the fans when you haven’t quite contributed yet was special. In my first season, it was tough because I wasn’t getting many games, but they always stuck beside me. Whether it was love at the games, or even texts on Instagram – it was amazing.”
Savinho: “I was so happy to hear them singing my name. I’m living my dreams here, it’s taken a lot to get to play for Manchester City and they’ve been singing my name since I joined. When I hear them chanting my name, I realise that all the hard work has been worth it.”
First tattoo you got? What made you choose it?
Chris Richards: “It’s the day I moved away from home in Roman numerals, and I got it the day before my 18th birthday. I’ve always wanted tattoos, and for my first, I wanted to start small and see how it goes. After the pain of the first one, I said I’m never getting tattoos again, but then I got addicted. Now I’ve got two sleeves and back tattoos, so it just snowballed from there.” *laughs*
Savinho: “I am part of your life and you are my whole story, Mum.”