Jail ‘a blessing in disguise’ for FA Cup final captain City ‘innocent’ – for the moment
WATFORD captain Troy Deeney said going to prison was a blessing in disguise that helped him rethink his life as he prepares now to lead the club into their second ever FA Cup final against Manchester City today.
Deeney, 30, who served three months of a 10-month sentence in 2012 following a conviction for affray, has since become a folk hero at the club, helping them earn promotion to the Premier League in 2015 and guiding them to 11th this season.
He scored as Watford beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 after extra time of a memorable FA Cup semi-final to reach the final for the first time in 35 years and Deeney is eager to collect his medal from Britain’s Prince William.
“It’s one of them games when, looking back on it now, from my background to meeting royalty and stuff, it’s mental really when you think about it,” Deeney told ESPN in an interview.
“When I got to jail, it was a blessing in disguise because it made me re-evaluate and check who I am as a person.
“It opened up new avenues... such as seeing a psychologist and having to deal with my problems because I used to drink a lot as well. I used to think I was dealing with things, but I was drinking and that kind of went into a spiral effect.”
Deeney is aware of the daunting task facing Watford in their attempt to deny Premier League champions and League Cup winners City a unique domestic treble.
“We’re massive underdogs, but at the same time, I’m hugely proud of the achievement,” Deeney added.
“For me, it’s no fear. Look at everything we just spoke about. Football isn’t going to scare me or playing against City... because of everything I’ve been through.”
Watford lost 2-0 to Everton in 1984 in their previous appearance in the FA Cup final.
Today’s final at Wembley kicks off at 6pm SA time. | MANCHESTER City are innocent until proven guilty, manager Pep Guardiola said yesterday in response to alleged breaches by the Premier League champions of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Uefa has referred City to an independent judicial chamber after an investigation opened in March.
“We are innocent until proven, I’m sorry,” the Spaniard said when asked whether his side’s success on the field had been in any way undermined ahead of today’s FA Cup final.
City will become the first team to win the English domestic treble if they beat Premier League rivals Watford, who have never won a major trophy.
“If Uefa decide we did something wrong, OK we’ll be banned, we’ll be punished or whatever they decide,” said Guardiola, who emphasised he would remain manager next season.
“But we are innocent right now. I know the people are waiting for it to be guilty... but that is where it is... I spoke with the chairman and CEOS, and I know exactly what happened and what they did and I trust a lot.”
Asked again about the possibility of a Champions League ban, Guardiola closed the subject.
“Everything is suggesting, what would happen. I don’t know. We are innocent today. We’ll see in the future.”
German publication Der Spiegel reported in March that the club’s Abu Dhabi owners inflated sponsorship agreements to comply with FFP requirements.
FFP rules are intended to prevent clubs receiving unlimited amounts of money through inflated sponsorship deals with organisations related to the owners.
With Juventus yesterday announcing the departure of manager Massimiliano Allegri, Guardiola was quick to rule himself out of the running.
“How many times do I have to say? I’m not going to go to Juventus in Turin, I’m not going to move to Italy,” he said.
“I’m going to stay, if they want, two more seasons here. I have a contract.
“I’m satisfied working with this club, with these people here. I’m not going anywhere.”
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