Ethan Ampadu is relishing the opportunity to face former club Chelsea in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final, aiming to create happy memories and settle old scores. The Leeds United captain, who spent his early career at Chelsea, will lead his team against the managerless Blues at Wembley.
A Chance for Redemption
Ampadu helped Chelsea reach the 2019 Europa League final but did not play in the showpiece victory over Arsenal. After loan spells at Sheffield United and elsewhere in Europe, he joined Leeds for £7m in 2023. In his first season, he suffered play-off final heartbreak against Southampton, but helped Leeds return to the Premier League the following year.
Reflecting on his past, Ampadu said: "I can understand why people might dwell on my past, but that's gone. I'm here with Leeds. I had some good memories at Chelsea. I didn't manage to play in that Europa League final, so maybe that one is a little bit different. But hopefully I get a chance to play in this one."
Resilience and Determination
The Wales international emphasized the need for resilience: "You have to become resilient, remember what you are doing it for and to create those good moments. For me they haven't come around too often. We've been enjoying some here, but what I love about this place is we are striving to achieve a lot more. So hopefully this could be the start for something special, but it's taken a lot to get here."
This weekend's clash will be only the second time Ampadu has returned to Wembley since the 2024 play-off final loss. He was also part of the Wales side beaten 3-0 by England there in October. "With Leeds United, that's our last memory there. But you have to park that, you have to remember how you felt - and do everything you can to try to avoid that feeling again," he said.
Fans Urged to Be Loud
Despite Chelsea's recent struggles, Ampadu warned that Leeds are not just making up the numbers. "We don't just want to be there for it to be a big day. We are going there with an aim," he said. "We know it's going to be a difficult game, but we know what we can bring to this game, the confidence we have in this squad and our ability to get to that final."
He called on Leeds fans to be their usual passionate selves: "Honestly, I want the fans to just be themselves. Wherever we go, no matter what stadium, no matter how far they've got to travel, they are always there in their numbers, with their loud voices. My message to them would be to be themselves, be loud, get behind us, because we are going to try to make it another special day."
Leeds are seeking their first FA Cup final appearance since 1972, while Chelsea aim to reach the final despite off-field turmoil.
