Roberto Martinez: 'What an incredible story'

Wigan boss guides Latics to first FA Cup trophy in their history with 1-0 victory over Manchester City

Roberto Martinez celebrates Wigan's famous FA Cup triumph in the pouring rain (GETTY IMAGES)

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez labelled Callum McManaman “a real diamond of English football” following their shock victory in the FA Cup final.

Martinez watched on as an injury-time Ben Watson winner handed the Latics their first FA Cup trophy in their first ever final, and triggered celebration at Wembley that will have reverberated through the footballing world.

"When you are a football club you dream of playing at Wembley, and today we saw the underdogs play with incredible bravery, incredible belief and they defied the odds again,” expressed Martinez. “That's the FA Cup."

When asked about forward McManaman, Martinez said: “Actions speak louder than words. His display was outstanding. I think he's a real diamond of English football."

For chairman Dave Whelan, it was the end of an emotional rollercoaster spanning over 53 years, starting when he broke his leg as a player in the 1960 FA Cup final.

“What an incredible story," Martinez continued. “The chairman broke his leg in 1960 and today, finally, it's finished business for him."

The Spaniard still faces a tough ask to keep his side in the Premier League as they sit 18th with just two games to go, but Martinez see’s today’s victory as a major boost for his side rather than a hindrance.

“We are going to get an incredible fight, incredible desire, to get the six points we've got left," Martinez added. “But today is about today, today is about the FA Cup, today is about the victory and the trophy that we've won for Wigan Athletic. What an incredible story."