Theo Walcott lifts lid on Arsenal captain’s FA Cup speech

Theo Walcott reveals that Mikel Arteta delivered a speech to his Arsenal team-mates ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final

Theo Walcott says Mikel Arteta’s speech ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final has served to galvanise the Gunners ahead of their clash with Aston Villa.

The north London side are preparing to take on Tim Sherwood’s men at Wembley as they look to retain the trophy they won last season to end their nine-year wait for silverware.

Walcott will be hoping to have earned a spot in Arsene Wenger’s starting line-up after last weekend’s impressive first-half hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion.

And the England international has lifted the lid on some of the north London side’s preparations ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Villains at Wembley.

Walcott told reporters at Arsenal’s training ground this week: “We had a nice little video and Mikel stood up and said a few words to the players who weren’t involved in the FA Cup last year, like some of the foreign guys.

“Just showing the video shows how passionate the club are and it being the 19th occasion [in the final] as well and potentially the 12th win is a great achievement. Those words were very strong.”