Frank Lampard hailed Chelsea's never-say-die spirit as his side snatched the FA Cup from Manchester United. Jose Mourinho's side claimed their second trophy of a dramatic campaign as Didier Drogba's late extra-time goal earned a 1-0 Cup final victory over United on Saturday.
It was a season-saving triumph for Lampard and company after they had surrendered their Premiership title to United and crashed out of the Champions League in the semi-finals.
Failure to win either of those trophies had fuelled speculation that Mourinho would be sacked if Chelsea lost at Wembley. But Lampard's astute pass set up Drogba to poke in the winner and send the Blues off to their holidays in high spirits.
"It's great to go out on a high," Lampard said. "The FA Cup is a huge trophy and one that I and this group had never won. "To win it is a fantastic feeling and there were some big celebrations in the dressing room.
"That's the strength of this group. We showed it today and a lot of times this season. We have fallen short on a couple of occasions but not for the want of trying. We have been very stretched today and we kept going. "There was a real determination with the lads after what's gone on this season. After losing the league to United, this was a game for us to go out on a high.
"I felt we deserved to win the game. It was tight and there was no clear winner but we had enough chances that I felt we would score." Lampard admitted Chelsea's failure to win the Premiership or Champions League had placed an extra burden on them going into the final.
"There is always pressure but understandably more today because people would probably enjoy the fact that Chelsea have spent millions and had only won the League Cup. That is the reality of life. "But we have gone out there today and shown that we are a strong bunch who will keep going until the end and I think people will respect that. "We will be happy with the two cups. If you want to disrespect those competitions then you should not be in football. "We have had great experiences in the League Cup and the FA Cup was the one outstanding trophy I grew up dreaming of winning. Of course we want to win the league but you can't take away a cup double."
Lampard has been locked in contract talks with the club as his current deal enters its' final two years and he rubbished reports that he was considering a move to Spain.