Yaya Toure revels in Man City’s FA Cup final triumph

Match winner Yaya Toure could not hide his delight after his strike ended Manchester City’s 35-year wait for a major trophy and gave them a deserved FA Cup Final victory over Stoke City.

The Ivorian proved the hero when he smashed a thunderous finish past Thomas Sorensen 16 minutes from time to help City secure silverware in his first season at the club.

“It’s fantastic to win, Manchester City is a big club,” said Toure. “I think it’s fantastic for the club, the dream is now real. We wanted to win something and get through to the Champions League. It’s amazing.”

Meanwhile, City manager Roberto Mancini dedicated the cup triumph to the club’s fans and hopes the win will act as a springboard to further success.

“I can say only that I’m very happy for all the supporters,” said the Italian. “After many years they deserve to win this trophy. My feeling is good, but it’s important that they feel good [too].”

“The first trophy is always important. It is about changing the history of the club and developing the mentality of winners. We have won a very important trophy now, and it was always going to be important for us to get that first win.

“The Champions League was our target this season and we can say now this has been a very good season. We were close to Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal until February and March when we lost players.

“We were playing every three days and it was impossible for us. But we will be strong again next season. We have made a small piece of history of Manchester City. But we start now.”

The club will parade their new silverware around the city on 23 May after they accepted an invitation from Manchester City Council.

“City winning the FA Cup is a joyous occasion for many people in Manchester, myself included. It’s only fitting that we host a public celebration of that achievement so fans can share the moment and enjoy the success,” said leader of the council Sir Richard Leese.

“Manchester’s football clubs are a huge source of pride, helping to project the city’s name around the world, and we expect some unforgettable scenes on 23 May as thousands of City fans gather to acclaim their team.”

City’s chief executive officer Garry Cook thanked the council for their invitation to parade the trophy.

“Saturday was a truly historic occasion for Manchester City Football Club and we are delighted to be bringing the FA Cup trophy back to Manchester,” he said.

“We are extremely grateful to Manchester City Council for their invitation to parade the trophy, and we are looking forward to seeing as many of our wonderful supporters as possible lining the streets of the city next Monday.”

Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira said:

“It means a lot to the players but even more to the fans. They have been waiting a long time for this. It is fantastic. There has been a lot of pressure on this team. It’s a really fantastic season for us.”

Stoke City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen said:

“The goal came at a bad time for us, just as we were getting in the game, but it’s so disappointing. As a team we never really created any flowing play, we didn’t hold the ball up well. The better team won, and we didn’t play well.”

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis said:

“I have nothing but congratulations for Man City. They were the better team, fully deserved to win and it is difficult for me to stand here and say that. I will go hide in some bunker for 48 hours.”

“Against the quality of depth they have got, you need to bring your A-game to the table. Maybe we have run out of a bit of depth.”