Adrian Mariappa has described playing in front of Watford's fans as "an honour" after they were beaten 6-0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

The centre-back was amazed as he saw the Hornets' fans pick up their flags and support their team until the final whistle, even after City's sixth goal had been scored.

“The fans were incredible even at 6-0 down,” he told the club website.

“That’s what this club is all about. It is an honour to put the shirt on and play in front of those fans every week.

“No-one likes losing 6-0, even against a top side. We started well and had a good shape but in this type of game if you don’t take your chances you know they can hurt you. We needed to take ours.

“We wanted to be solid and catch them on the break. But they were very clinical on the day."

Mariappa believes that reaching the final is an achievement in itself for Watford and a step in the right direction.

Following the game, Watford owner Gino Pozzo and chairman Scott Duxbury both said that they wanted to make occasions like this more commonplace for the Vicarage Road faithful and Mariappa thinks this season shows that the club is heading in the right direction and that everyone should be proud of what they have done.

He said: “It’s very tough to get to a final so it is a massive achievement for our club. It is a step forward and there are lots of positives to take.

“We are disappointed but it is a great achievement to get here.

“We have to take massive pride for this season. I have got to give big credit to all the boys.”