Rio desperate for cup win

Rio Ferdinand says playing in the FA Cup final is 'unbelievable' and admits he is desperate to finally get his hands on the trophy.

Ferdinand missed Manchester United's victory over Millwall in 2004 due to his suspension for missing a drugs test and was then on the losing team when his side played Arsenal the following year.

And, as his side get ready to take on Chelsea for this year's final, the England centre-back is eager to make amends.

"The tradition of the FA Cup makes it a special day," he said. "It is unbelievable. You know all about the great players who have played in it and all the great goals that have been scored in it.

"You grow up watching it as a kid. You know the voices of the commentators. It is the biggest cup competition in the world.

"I can't hide my feelings. I was devastated when we lost to Arsenal and I really want to win it this time."

After the last six finals were played at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, this year the teams will meet at the new Wembley Stadium, and Ferdinand believes that gives the game an added edge.

"The tradition of playing the FA Cup final at Wembley is something the whole world knows about.

"Once we knew this final was going to be played at Wembley, it upped the ante in terms of us wanting to get there."

And he rejects the idea the winner should be given a UEFA Champions League place to increase the value of the competition.

"People have talked about giving a Champions League place to the winners, but I don't really care about that.

"You don't really need any other incentive other than just to reach the final."