Danny Murphy: We want to win cup for England

David Smith11 April 2012

Danny Murphy says the whole of England will be willing Fulham to beat Atletico Madrid in the Europa League Final in Hamburg tonight.

The skipper says the team are stunned by the support they have received from fans across the country and are desperate not to let them down.

Fulham's incredible journey to the their first European final began last July and has seen them knock out defending champions Shakhtar Donetsk, Italian giants Juventus and 2009 German title winners Wolfsburg.

And Murphy believes it those performances that have captured the country's imagination.

"The support we've received has been amazing," he said. "Fulham seem to be everybody's second favourite club at the moment. I think that's because of our spirit, the fact that we've overcome the odds this season and beaten so many good teams.

"People have enjoyed watching us because of the spirit and commitment we've shown and also because we play football in the right way. Most fans around the country, no matter who they support, appreciate good football. I'd like to think that over the course of this competition we've tried to play the right way. It's nice to have that encouragement because it gives you an extra incentive to bring the trophy home."

The well-wishers include Chelsea captain John Terry, who has sent his west London rivals a special message of support with particular reference to Paul Konchesky and Bobby Zamora.

Konchesky is the centre-half's brother-in-law and, along with Zamora, used to play with Terry for the acclaimed Senrab youth team in east London.

"I wish Fulham, Paul and Bobby good luck in the final," said the England defender. "I know Bobby has been struggling with his Achilles but I wish him well. He texted me after we won the Premier League title and I would be delighted for him if Fulham went on to win the Europa League. They have done brilliantly this season."

Zamora has been receiving intensive treatment on an Achilles injury which almost certainly require surgery in the summer.

The 19-goal striker sat out Fulham's final training session last night so boss Roy Hodgson has put Clint Dempsey on stand-by to replace him.

However, winger Damien Duff did train despite sitting out Sunday's loss at Arsenal with a calf strain.

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