Hornets captain says earning winner's medal would help to change perceptions around his career
Saturday 18 May 2019 11:23, UK
Troy Deeney has issued a rallying cry to his Watford team-mates ahead of their first FA Cup final in 35 years, saying it is 'their moment'.
The Hornets take on Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday, with their opponents bidding to become the first English side in history to complete the domestic treble.
In contrast, Watford will be trying to win their first ever major trophy, but when asked if City were the strong favourites, Deeney told Sky Sports News: "No, honestly we're not thinking about them in that sense.
"They're a great team, with unbelievable players and management, but this is our moment. We're here for the first time in 35 years.
"It's massive for the town, massive for the whole club and the community, so we're going to enjoy it and hopefully give a great performance."
Captain Deeney is likely to lead Watford out at Wembley and he says he is relishing the prospect of going up against City counterpart Vincent Kompany.
"He's a great challenge in any game," said Deeney. "He's always on it, he's a great professional and he's a big beast of a man.
"That gets me going; that's what I like. I like somebody that's up for as much of a battle as I am, and he knows that.
"We both respect each other but we won't give each other a yard. It will be a really entertaining battle."
Deeney is yet to win a major trophy during his career and acknowledges he is as well-known for being jailed for affray in 2012 as he is for his exploits on the pitch.
However, the 30-year-old says lifting the FA Cup would help to change perceptions around him, explaining: "My career will not be defined on winning; it will be about the whole backstory that everyone talks about.
"I'm here to try and change the narrative and hopefully enjoy a winner's medal. It's a massive occasion and we're hopefully starting a new chapter for Watford."
