Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan ‘FINALLY gets his FA Cup winners’ medal after missing Wembley due to shortage’…despite fringe player who didn’t make the squad receiving a
- Gundogan scored twice in City’s 2-1 win over Man United in Saturday’s final
- His opening strike after 12 seconds was the fastest Cup final goal ever
- But despite his heroism, the German did not initially receive a winner’s medal
Ilkay Gundogan has finally been handed his FA Cup winners’ medal after initially missing out on one despite his late heroics for Manchester City at Wembley.
Gundogan inspired City to their second major trophy of the season and kept them on track for a historic treble by scoring twice in their 2-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday.
The City captain scored the fastest ever FA Cup final goal for the first time to fire them past David de Gea and into the top right corner after just 12 seconds.
The two teams went level at the break after Jack Grealish’s controversial handball allowed Bruno Fernandes to equalize from the penalty spot, but six minutes into the second half Gundogan produced another volley to bring City back in front.
That second strike proved a winner for Pep Guardiola’s men, who are now just one win away from claiming the top three honors this season.
Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan finally received his FA Cup medal after Saturday’s final
Gundogan scored twice – including the fastest in FA Cup final history – as City beat rivals Man United 2-1 to clinch their second trophy of the season
Despite his heroism, the German was first denied a winner’s medal before lifting the trophy
After winning their second of these awards, Gundogan climbed the famous Wembley Steps as he prepared to lift the trophy, only to find he had no winner’s medal left.
According The sunthe German midfielder was told by Prince William that he was out of medals, meaning they went without during the trophy lifting and their subsequent celebrations.
Kevin de Bruyne also reportedly missed a medal, but goalkeeper Ederson then passed him one as they celebrated.
Marginal player Sergio Gomez received one despite not being part of the matchday squad
Instead of their match-winning captain, fringe player Sergio Gomez – who didn’t even make the squad that day – was seen wearing a medal at Wembley.
Nevertheless, 24 hours after their victory over United, it is believed that Gundogan has finally received his well-deserved gong.
On the last day of the cup, teams usually receive 20 medals for their starting XI, substitutes and manager.
They then receive an additional 19 to ensure that any players and staff who did not receive one are properly rewarded, meaning Gundogan has picked up one of those spares.
Regardless of the medal confusion, Gundogan was delighted to have won City’s second prize of the campaign while scoring the fastest FA Cup final goal in history.
Prince William, pictured giving his medal to Erling Haaland, looked exhausted on the day
Gundogan explained the tactics behind his record-breaking first game after the win
His opening strike after just 12 seconds broke the previous record of 25 set by Louis Saha for Everton in the 2009 final, and after the game he explained the tactics behind his quick volley.
‘Of course [the opening goal surprised me]. We know how we do, how we play, how we want to play from kick-off,” Gundogan said.
“We aimed for that, to be long for Erling and then get the second ball and try to attack quickly.
“I guess for the first time this season we scored, the ball was placed in an incredible way for me, and I just had to kick it.
“It was a good shot and it came in, it was amazing.”
