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Chelsea midfielder Barkley: FA Cup very important to me

Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley says he doesn't take the FA Cup for granted.

Barkley proved the matchwinner for yesterday's quarterfinal win over Leicester City.

"There is a lot of history to it," said Barkley. "As a kid growing up, I was always watching the games. We didn't have Sky at home, so every time the FA Cup was on I was into it.

"Playing in it, it's a great competition, and this season the luck has been on my side. It would mean everything to win it again.

"When the gaffer came he brought a winning mentality, he's won everything there is to win as a player, and I'm sure he wants to get his first trophy as a manager right away."

He added: "I've adjusted to the empty stadiums.

"Seven years ago I was playing in reserve games with a similar empty stadium. It's just what we've got to do. We've adapted really well to it, with three wins out of three, but of course it would be much better with the fans in."

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