Adam Wharton played an integral role in helping his side win the 2025 FA Cup, but had to sit out of the post-match celebrations.

Eberechi Eze's goal in the first half was enough to secure Crystal Palace's first-ever trophy.

The win came against Manchester City, who failed to beat an inspired Dean Henderson at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening.

The final whistle from centre referee Stuart Atwell triggered widespread celebrations from one side of the stadium, but not everyone affiliated with Crystal Palace was involved.

Midfielder Wharton was forced to miss the celebrations as he continued to receive treatment for a possible concussion. The England star did not finish the game after he was hooked off in the 87th minute for Will Hughes.

Wharton had earlier suffered the full brunt of a ferocious shot from Kevin De Bruyne, which left him on the Wembley turf. He received treatment and carried on with the game before he was eventually taken off.

Palace medical staff continued with their checks even after the final whistle to ensure that the 21-year-old was out of danger.

Wharton, seemingly on a hospital bed, later posted on Instagram celebrating the win.

"Apparently we won the FA Cup. Eaglessssss."

The former Blackburn Rovers star had recovered just in time to start for Oliver Glasner in their most important match to date. Wharton had twisted his ankle against Nottingham Forest earlier this month and sat out in the win against Tottenham last week.

Wharton is a fast-rising midfielder who has built his reputation since moving to Selhurst Park in January 2024. It took him only six months to convince Gareth Southgate to pick him for the Three Lions' squad for Euro 2024.

He has attracted interest from top sides, with newly-minted league champions Liverpool understood to be keen on signing him.

Football Espana also reported that Real Madrid are interested in the £60 m-rated midfielder who has been dubbed the 'new Toni Kroos'.

His manager has, however, called for patience after recent injury struggles.

"Everybody knows what Adam can do - but we have to be patient. Since the final of the Euros, he's struggled - he will get more minutes. He will get many games for the Three Lions in his career. I don't know if this will be the right moment in March after a long injury," he said in February as quoted by BBC Sports.

In a related report, Pep Guardiola was involved in a fiery exchange with Dean Henderson after the FA Cup final ended.

The Manchester City manager approached the Crystal Palace goalkeeper before the two were separated.

Henderson, who was lucky not to be sent off, later explained what the problem was.

Source: TUKO.co.ke