With Fulham preparing to take on Atletico Madrid in the final of the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday evening, the scenario of a major European final will be a familiar one to goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
The Australian custodian reached the final of the UEFA Cup with Middlesbrough back in 2006 where his side were beaten by Sevilla on the night. But with the prospect of another grandstand occasion drawing closer, Schwarzer is hoping to be on the winning side this time around.
“It’s very difficult to compare to the two adventures between Middlesbrough and Fulham in a lot of ways,” explained Schwarzer. “However there are similarities because they’ve both un-fancied Club’s to get to a European final.
“To be here at this stage of my career with Fulham is something I never thought was possible. It rates up there with the major accomplishments in my career. It adds that extra special value to the occasion.
“It’s a European Cup Final and obviously I haven’t got the best memories of the last time out - I’d like to think that this time around I can have fonder memories.
I’ll feel very good. I’ll feel very fit and fresh. We’ve had such a long and important season that has taken us on an amazing journey. Hopefully tomorrow night we can finish that journey and have a successful season. I’m fully focused on the Final.”