LONDON: For the tens of thousands Arsenal fans lining the streets of north London on Sunday, it had been a long time coming.
After nine years spent desperately waiting for a title, they finally got the chance to celebrate the end of the drought as the Gunners paraded the FA Cup on an open-top bus following their comeback victory at Wembley.
The team set off from the Emirates Stadium under a basking sun and made its way toward Islington Town Hall, stopping regularly to thank the chanting fans packed on both sides of the roads before returning to the club's home ground.
Arsenal beat Hull 3-2 Saturday to secure its 11th FA Cup win overall, tying Manchester United's record.
"It's been nine years now, we've waited a long time for this," Arsenal striker Jack Wilshere said. "We've worked hard and the manager has worked hard but most of all this is for the fans who fill the stadium every week. This one is for them."
Arsenal recovered from 2-0 down, with goals from Santi Cazorla, Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey securing a fifth FA Cup trophy in Arsene Wenger's 18-year reign. The Frenchman's contract is due to expire at the end of the season but he has expressed his desire to see it renewed.
"We would like to thank our fans really deeply, we realize how much they love our club and we are grateful for that," Wenger said. "Our players are great, but our fans are even better, they show it again today."
Wenger waved to the crowd along the route and brandished the FA Cup trophy outside Islington Town Hall before Thomas Vermaelen lifted it in front of the roaring fans at the Emirates.
"We had to fight very hard but this group of players have shown great mental strength through the whole season," Wenger added in a tribute to his players. "They've gone through some difficult times and they've always recovered, responded and I think the club can be very proud about what they've achieved this season."
