MATEO KOVAČIĆ finally secured the FA Cup trophy after losing five previous finals. The Croatian midfielder lifted the cup in his sixth attempt, as his team Manchester City defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the final at Wembley. The winning goal was scored by Antoine Griezmann just under 20 minutes before the end of the match.

"Today is a happy day"

Kovačić, who had previously lost finals in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025, expressed his joy after the match, in which he played from the 65th minute onwards. "Unbelievable, simply unbelievable! I love this competition," he said.

"I've been in several finals and lost them all, but today is a happy day. We won, and I think this will be a great boost for the last two matches of the season."

Championship mentality and calmness

The Croatian national team player highlighted the mental strength of the team as the key to success. "In this team, we have a lot of winners. We know how to handle pressure. These guys have been doing it for a long time," he explained.

"We remain calm, aware that our moment could come. Today, we were calm throughout the match, and we've been prepared all season when it mattered the most."

Looking ahead to the end of the season

City now faces two crucial matches that could determine the outcome of the entire season, and Kovačić assured that the team is ready. "The last two matches will define our season. We are ready for that," he stressed.

A visit to Bournemouth and a home match against Aston Villa could decide City's fate in the Premier League. Currently, City is two points behind the leading Arsenal, which holds the title in its hands following upcoming matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace.