Ethan Ampadu puts Chelsea past aside as Leeds target FA Cup final

Ethan Ampadu insists sentiment will play no role when Leeds United face Chelsea in Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal, with the captain focused solely on guiding his side to Wembley glory.

The Welsh international came through the ranks at Chelsea but never established himself as a regular at Stamford Bridge, making his upcoming reunion an intriguing subplot. However, Ampadu is adamant that any emotional ties have long faded as Leeds prepare for one of their biggest fixtures in recent years.

“I understand why people might dwell on my past, but that’s gone,” he said. “I had some good memories, but didn’t manage to play in that Europa League final. Hopefully I get a chance to play in this one.”

Rather than reflecting on his early career in west London, Ampadu points to a more recent and painful experience at Wembley as his primary source of motivation. Leeds’ playoff defeat to Southampton two years ago remains fresh in the memory, serving as a reminder of how fine the margins can be on the big stage.

“With Leeds United, that’s our last memory there,” he said. “But you have to park that, remember how you felt and do everything you can to try to avoid that feeling again.”

Despite the weight of the occasion, Ampadu believes the intensity of the match itself will quickly sharpen focus. “When you’re in the momentum of the game and you’ve got that adrenaline, you don’t focus on that,” he added.

Leeds head into the semifinal buoyed by strong support and a growing sense of belief within the squad. The anticipation among fans has been evident in recent weeks, with Wembley songs already ringing around Elland Road as supporters look ahead to the showpiece occasion.

“It’s going to be a big day for the club but we don’t just want to be there for it to be a big day,” Ampadu said. “We are going there with an aim.”