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Jens Lehmann believes that Arsenal MUST win the FA Cup this Saturday to lift their profile in world football.

The former Germany international was part of the last Arsene Wenger team to lift a trophy when they beat Manchester United on penalties in Cardiff in 2005.

The goalkeeper said: “I travel a lot now, all round the world – and Arsenal do not really get talked about.

“It is all Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. Arsenal? Hardly at all. It is not a good feeling.

“That is why is important for them to beat Hull at Wembley.

“If they win, it will give the whole club a boost. The brand of Arsenal has suffered a little bit recently. You win the FA Cup and that can change it.

“A final is a great occasion. You never think about money or what it is worth. It is such a wonderful feeling to win it that is is hard to describe.

“And it was some consolation for us because we had lost out to Chelsea in the Premier League. “

Lehmann played at Arsenal for five years between 2003 and 2008.He also made one Premier League appearance as an emergency cover in 2011.

He knows the club – and acknowledged how crucial it will be to end the trophy drought.

Lehmann said: “The players know it is the first time they win something and they should grab the opportunity. If they win, then they can give the whole club and the fans a real boost. To win a major trophy will serve the club well.

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“And for me they HAVE to win against Hull. Why? Because they are the better team. It is up to them to cope with the pressure. If they cannot do that, then something will have to change.”

But Lehmann does have a warning for his former club – the unpredictable nature of cup football.

He added: “Of course Arsenal have more quality than Hull, but we saw what happened with Wigan last year in the final when they beat Manchester City.

“So Arsenal have to be ready. In fact, when we won in 2005, it seemed we defended for 120 minutes because the match went into extra time. United were on top for most of the game, but we won and that is all that matters.”

Lehmann also gave an insight into how the occasion of the FA Cup Final can affect players.

He recalled: “The adrenalin is remarkable. I remember after the match in the dressing room. It was a great atmosphere.

“Then I went for a shower and saw a huge – and I mean huge – bruise on my shin. I had not noticed it of felt it during the game.

“I don’t even know when it happened in the match, but the adrenalin meant I did not feel it. That is what it is like in a cup final.”