Great spirit sealed it for us, says Aaron

ARSENAL goal hero Aaron Ramsey won the heart of the fans, his manager and his team-mates after his extra-time goal heroics.

Ramsey, the youngest member of Arsene Wenger’s FA Cup Final starting line-up, was just 14 when Arsenal last lifted a trophy in the 2005 Final. Nine years later, he proved he was the man for the big occasion when he produced a great shot with the outside of his right boot to win the Cup.

Ramsey, who missed a large part of the season through injury, said: ‘I am getting quite emotional.

‘This is what it is all about, coming to Wembley and winning a trophy. We have come back so many times in big games this season. We showed great spirit and character. I hope this is the first of many trophies to come.’

And team-mate Kieran Gibbs hailed the Welsh hero, declaring: ‘Aaron has been on top of his game when he has played this season and has produced again.’

Wenger, whose future was in doubt with his contract running out this summer, seemed relieved as he ended nearly a decade of hurt. He said: ‘We showed the way not to start the game. I have praised the spirit of this team many times and I am proud of it.

‘It is maybe the most emotional win because it has been a long time.

‘And it was basically lost after 10 minutes, I am very proud of the players. It’s great. I said: “Don’t lose your nerve and discipline and just keep playing and keep calm”.

‘This is a big club with a big following and we needed to win this.’

Watching underdogs Hull City racing into a 2-0 lead was not good viewing for Gunners sub Jack Wilshere, who added: ‘I felt sick watching on the bench. The boss has worked hard and we have worked hard for this.’

Hull skipper Curtis Davies admitted: ‘When they got tired they still had the quality. It was a hard game to throw away but that’s what we did.’

His manager Steve Bruce added: ‘When your name’s on the Cup, your name’s on it. It wasn’t to be for us.

‘But I’m so proud of my lads. They couldn’t have given any more.’