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Arsenal celebrate FA Cup victory with parade through streets of London

North London club rejoice after first trophy in nine years

Charles Reynolds
Monday 19 May 2014 14:48 BST
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Arsenal players wave to fans from the top of an open topped bus as their victory parade leaves the Emirates stadium
Arsenal players wave to fans from the top of an open topped bus as their victory parade leaves the Emirates stadium

Thousands of Arsenal supporters took part in a victory parade today to rejoice in their side's dramatic FA Cup final win.

The Arsenal players themselves were transported along the parade route in special red double decker buses as the team took their celebrations to the streets of north London.

Setting off from their stadium at 11:00am, the route took in Islington Town hall and Upper Street.

With all the players getting fully stuck into the celebrations, England midfielder Jack Wilshere couldn't resist the opportunity to win some easy affection from his own supporters by mocking local rivals Tottenham.

He also spoke to Sky Sports, saying: "It's hard to find the words, we waited a long time for this, we waited nine years.

"We failed a few years ago in the Carling Cup, we all felt that.

"We had a tough run in the FA Cup, so you can't say we didn't deserve it."

Theo Walcott and Per Mertesacker were also quick to make themselves popular with the fans, with Walcott leading supporters in chants of 'Bacary Sagna we want you to stay'.

Wojciech Szczesny and Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal lift the FA cup during the Arsenal FA Cup Victory Parade

Mertesacker meanwhile cemented his reputation as a fan's favourite by launching out into an energetic version of the 'Arsenal till I die' chant.

Kieran Gibbs was quick to praise his fellow teammates for their FA Cup success: "It's something very special, I can't believe how many people are here, this just reiterates how big the club is.

"Now we've got the first hurdle out the way, hopefully it will give us a boost for the season to come.

"To be honest, we showed character for the last couple of years, but yesterday was a testament to the players."

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