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Francis Benali opens up on the pain of losing the 2003 FA Cup final to Arsenal, the mystery of his runners-up medal and why Ralph Hasenhuttl's men can banish the ghosts of the 9-0 Leicester loss to make the final again

Daily Mail | April 18, 2021

Related Topics: Leicester, Arsenal F.C., FA Cup, Francis Benali, Southampton F.C., Ralph Hasenhüttl, Millwall F.C., Millennium Stadium, St Helens RLFC

Francis Benali looks sheepish when asked where he keeps his FA Cup runners-up medal.

The Southampton legend was part of the side who reached the club's last final in 2003.

It was his final season for Saints, his last competitive appearance of 389 coming in the fourth round against Millwall. He watched on at the Millennium Stadium as Arsenal triumphed.

Francis Benali spoke with the Mail on Sunday ahead of Southampton's FA Cup semi-final clash with Leicester - as the club prepare to make their first final since 2003

'This is going to sound awful, but I'm not sure where my medal is,' he tells The Mail on Sunday.

'I can't put my hand on it.

See full article at Daily Mail