Rodgers: A special day for all
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proud. I didn’t know him, but this is for his family, his club and his legacy.
“It’s emotional for him and his family because they have built this club towards glory after winning the Premier League and now to win the FA Cup is amazing.
“We will give everything for this club and for those men that built this club and built this history and legacy.”
After producing one of the great FA Cup Final goals, he added: “What a moment. I can’t think of a better goal than this.
“Before the game I got a text message saying I had to aim for the top corner. I did it and I’m really happy.”
Leicester’s fans – inside Wembley as 21,000 supporters formed the biggest attendance since lockdown – had to survive a nerve-jangling finale before they could celebrate the win in their first final since 1969.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel made two stunning saves and, in a final act of drama, Wes Morgan’s late own goal was ruled out following a Ben Chilwell offside thanks to the intervention of VAR.
The triumph sparked emotional scenes, and Foxes boss Rodgers said: “I wasn’t aware before I came to Leicester that they’d never won the FA Cup.
“So to be able to give that to the owners and the fans is so special.
“It’s been an amazing day for the city.
“Youri’s goal was like an old-school, FA Cup-winning goal.
“Overall we were the better team. We were super aggressive, pressed well and we were always a threat with the ball.”
Chelsea became the first team to lose the final in consecutive seasons since Newcastle (1998 and 1999).
Blues manager Thomas Tuchel admitted: “It’s about bouncing back and showing the right mentality now.
“We missed a trophy and we are sad about that.
“But we have another competition now.”