BY ANDREW MCSTEEN
Colombian duo Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma have spoken about their pleasure after serving to Crystal Palace win their first main silverware.
The Eagles beat Manchester Metropolis 1-0 at Wembley to win the FA Cup on Saturday.
“We have been combating and battling for this, and it wasn’t simply anybody we beat – we beat an enormous, Manchester Metropolis, a crew that has gained every thing,” explosive wing-back Munoz instructed TNT Sports activities Mexico. “It’s much more satisfying. It brings extra happiness and extra pleasure. It was an distinctive job we did. We wrote our names in that golden e-book, and now we’ve got to maintain working for what’s subsequent.
“Due to all these lovely folks (followers), they deserved it greater than anybody. They supported us, believed in us. To our team-mates, who fought and battled – those that began, those that got here on and those that have been on the bench. That is household work. It’s greater than a crew, it’s a gorgeous household,
“That is the reward for humble, clear work and for day-to-day effort.”
An emotional Munoz broke down in tears throughout the interview, one which noticed him dedicate his man of the match award to the entire crew.
“I consider this award ought to say ‘Crystal Palace’ as a result of the standout gamers have been all of us. If a small piece wouldn’t have labored, we wouldn’t have proven this distinctive efficiency,” stated the 28-year-old. “This makes one joyful, upbeat, but it surely goes past an award as a result of all of us deserve it, all those who performed and those who didn’t. I’m very joyful.”
Munoz and Lerma grew to become simply the second and third Colombian gamers to play in an FA Cup closing, coming after Luis Diaz, who gained it with Liverpool in 2022. The primary Colombian to be a part of an FA Cup-winning aspect was Arsenal’s David Ospina, who was an unused substitute for Arsenal in 2015.
Munoz moved to SE25 from Belgium within the January 2024 switch window, whereas Lerma grew to become the primary Colombian to play for the membership after shifting in the summertime of 2023.
Each nationwide team-mates, the pair have shortly change into followers’ favourites and really feel at residence in South London, full with their names within the historical past books.
“For us, this began as a dream and now it’s a actuality – it fills us with pleasure. Croydon is Colombia,” stated Lerma. “We congratulate each member of this crew, the followers, the employees, the coaches, an limitless record of individuals I’d like to call however it might be too lengthy.
“We now have to get pleasure from this to the fullest. God has rewarded us and given us the chance to depart our names within the historical past of Palace. We took it to a different stage.”
With because of Santiago Menichelli for translation.
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
