Arsenal players take to open top bus to show off FA Cup to legion of patient fans

AFTER nine years in trophy wilderness, Arsenal celebrates in style, Wilshere taunts Spurs fans, and Nike releases this commemorative strip.

AFTER nine years spent desperately waiting for a title, Arsenal fans finally got the chance to celebrate the end of the drought as the Gunners paraded the FA Cup on an open-top bus in north London.

And with everyone involved with the Gunners in a celebratory mood, Nike is celebrating its 20-year alliance with the Premier League outfit by creating this commemorative shirt - the kaleidoscope of colours is a combination of the club’s jerseys over the last 20 years, including the jersey worn by the Invincibles.

The commemorative Nike/Arsenal jersey.

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The jersey, which will only have a limited number printed, is Nike’s last involvement with Arsenal, which has just signed a record-breaking five-year deal with Puma, netting $54m a season.

“Nike has enjoyed a wonderful partnership with Arsenal Football Club,” said Marc van Pappelendam, the Vice President of Nike UK & Ireland.

“The kits that Nike has produced for the club over the last twenty years tell a story; a timeline of quality that will be remembered for a long time to come.”

Is this the start of a new Arsenal era?

Aside from the quirky jersey release, it has been a jubilant 24 hours in north London as Arsene Wenger’s side rejoices at ending its nine-year trophy drought.

It hasn’t taken long for Arsenal fans to look across town to remind Tottenham fans of its success, or lack thereof in recent seasons - as this website ‘http://sincespurslastwonatrophy.co.uk/’ shows.

Sweet revenge for nine years of this:

The team set off from the Emirates Stadium under sunny skies and made its way toward Islington Town Hall, stopping regularly to thank the chanting fans packed on both sides of the route before returning to the club's home ground.

Arsenal beat Hull 3-2 to secure its 11th FA Cup win overall, tying Manchester United's record.

Arsenal's English midfielder Jack Wilshere leads celebrations.

“It's been nine years now, we've waited a long time for this,” Arsenal midfielder 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.”

The midfielder, however, may have got a bit carried away during the parade, forcing Sky Sports to apologise after it aired him calling city rivals Tottenham s*** during the festivities.

“What do we think of Tottenham?’ Wilshere asked the crowd. “S***”, answered the fans.

“What do we think of s***?” Wilshere then said. “Tottenham!” roared the crowd.

Arsenal enjoys its time in the sun.

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 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.”

Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger with Podolski.

The players were revelling in celebrations, as well, with Lukas Podolski explaining why they drenched their usually reserved manager after the match.

“He needed it. After nine years, he needs a little drink, of course. When I played for Bayern, I won the league title and the cup.

“When you win something you must celebrate. You celebrate, then you focus on next season.

“When you wait nine years, especially for the fans, it’s something special.

“Everywhere there was pressure about Arsenal winning nothing, the newspapers were crazy.

“Now we have this done. Nine years is done and we have the Cup.”

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis insisted the club should not rest on its laurels after winning the cup and is hopeful the victory will mark the beginning of a successful era.

“We have a good platform to build on, today's a great day for us to celebrate and we should do that as the Arsenal family,” he said.

“But tomorrow we start work again and we've got to use this to progress the club, to take it forward.”

Arsene Wenger would have enjoyed this moment.

Originally published as Arsenal players take to open top bus to show off FA Cup to legion of patient fans