Larsson out to stop Gunners

Birmingham winger Sebastian Larsson retains plenty of affection for Arsenal but is out to extend their trophy drought in the Carling Cup final.

The Sweden international retains a lot of affection for his former club but that will be put to one side as City look to spring an upset at Wembley.

Larsson said: "Arsenal is a club that means a lot to me, definitely. I had five great years there.

"It was the best football education I could have had so I will always be grateful for that.

"I always want Arsenal to win and do well - apart from when they play us, including Sunday, of course.

"I have played against them a few times now and it's not like I played 100 games for their first team.

"But, like I said, it is a club that means a lot of me."

Larsson would have missed out on the final had he agreed personal terms with Newcastle last month.

He is out of contract in the summer but insists all his focus is on the final.

Larsson said: "I have not made up my mind one way or another (regarding a new contract).

"For myself, what is going to happen after this summer, we will just have to wait and see.

"What happened in January happened. That's in the past.

"Ever since the transfer window shut, that was the end of it. It doesn't affect me at all.

"Will the club's success have an influence on my decision? Yes, of course it does. Any player in the dressing room wants to become better and be part of a better team.

"That doesn't necessarily mean a different team. Hopefully that is the way the club is heading, to a better future.

"I just want to go out there on Sunday and do the club proud. I have always maintained that I am happy here."

Larsson believes Arsenal will be under more pressure to win after more than five years without a trophy but that will not lessen his or Birmingham's desire to triumph.

He said: "It takes a bit of pressure off. There's more pressure on them to get the trophy than us.

"But once you have got to a game like this, a major cup final, there's only one thing you want to achieve - and that's to get the trophy.

"It will be a massive occasion. Playing in these type of games, you dream of as a kid.

"It's taken a while since I came to the club to get there, but we finally are and hopefully we can put on a decent display. We want to win."