Southampton cult-hero opens up on fairytale Carabao Cup recognition | OneFootball

Manolo Gabbiadini recollects his iconic Carabao Cup final display against Manchester United. In doing so, Gabbiadini took pride in being on the receiving end of a meritorious recognition.

A couple of months ago, Southampton fans celebrated eight years of their fairytale Carabao Cup run. Though the Saints were a respectable force in the Premier League back then, they were hardly the outside favourites for achieving the semi-final spot at best.

Still, they managed to string a couple of Cup upsets to arrive at a touching distance of lifting the title. Even there, they didn't gave up easily which justifies why legends like Steven Davis still regret missing out on the prized silverware.

Understandably, that 3-2 result was painful but that doesn't mean the Southampton faithful don't hold that nostalgia in high regard.

Gabbiadini showered with Wembley's joyous ovation

Ultimately, reaching Wembley to play a footballing spectacle comes as a rare prospect for non Premier League heavyweights. Accepting this reality, the players give their level best to carve out an adorable impression to behold for their playing career.

From Southampton's camp, that courageous hero was Manolo Gabbiadini who laid the foundation for attempting a turnaround for the ages.

Sadly, the closing stages of the game didn't go Southampton's way but Gabbiadini's hard work indeed paid off.

Lifting the lid on his conclusive match involvement, Gabbiadini was quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I went out in the 83rd minute and Mourinho came to shake my hand while half of Wembley was singing my name. Unfortunately, immediately afterwards Ibra scored the 3-2 and we lost."

Honestly, there aren't much better ways to leave the pitch when the opposing tactician also appreciates the rival's greatness. And that too, when Jose Mourinho comes forward to acknowledge the player's performance, then it's equivalent to a praiseworthy credential in itself.

Though not a knockout game, Southampton are approaching a similar decisive contest tomorrow.