OUR LACA TROPHIES HURTS

Lacazette joined Arsenal for silverware and Champions League football.. he’s still waiting and determined to put it right today

ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE joined Arsenal to win trophies and play in the Champions League.

Three years on, Arsenal’s No. 9 is still waiting on both counts, which is why the FA Cup final has never been more important.

Lacazette, who joined the Gunners from Lyon for a then club record £51million, admits this has been the most difficult season of his career.

And he makes no bones about the importance of beating Chelsea today and carrying on Arsenal’s proud FA Cup history – they have won the trophy a record 13 times.

Lacazette, 29, said: “Most of the players are excited because we know we can save our season with a trophy, which would mean a lot for us and the fans.

“I came to Arsenal to win trophies. Yes, it’s been really frustrating, but nothing is ever easy and this is why I love this sport. We know Arsenal is the team that has won this cup the most – so even if the fans are not in the stadium we know they will be following us all over the world.”

Facing a Chelsea side who head into the final knowing they have already secured European football via the league brings back painful memories from last year’s Europa League showdown, when Arsenal were thrashed 4-1.

Arsenal missed out on winning the first trophy of Lacazette’s time at the club, but they also missed out on a place in the Champions League.

“That was Chelsea’s strength as they had nothing to play for and they had no pressure,” he said of their humbling in Baku.

“So it will be the same this weekend but we have to just play our game and not put pressure on ourselves.

“Nobody was talking on the way home. It was maybe the worst flight I have ever had.

“Hopefully everyone who played will not forget the final.

“Everybody has to find their own motivation for this game, whether that is to think about the past or the future, or whether it is just because they want to win this game.

“Players who have a lot of ambitions want to play in Europe and I think it will be easier to sign new players and to keep all the players in the group with the Europa League.”

Lacazette has formed a remarkable partnership with Pierre-emerick Aubameyang.

They are friends off the pitch and their understanding has been Arsenal’s saving grace in the last three seasons.

France striker Lacazette insists he is happy at Arsenal despite a lack of medals and the “stupid mistakes” which he says has cost them a place in the Champions

League

But he also admits it is vital that they keep hold of his strike partner to be successful in the future. Lacazette added: “I’m happy with my career because I played for Lyon, my club since I was a child and I play for

Arsenal, m y dream club here.

But obviously I would love to win more trophies and this one can make me happier in my Arsenal journey.

“When Auba came everyone knows we had a good relationship together.

“We always talk about everything, not only football. He’s a good guy.

“It is obvious we need to keep him. He is our captain and everybody likes him. He has love from the fans.”