Ben Chilwell pays emotional tribute to Joel Ward after Crystal Palace send-off
Ben Chilwell has shared an emotional tribute to Crystal Palace teammate and captain Joel Ward, who played his last game at Selhurst Park on Tuesday, 20 May.
Ward has enjoyed a 13-year stint with the Eagles, which has remarkably culminated in winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City last Saturday.
The 35-year-old was handed his only start of the Premier League season as Palace beat Wolves 4-2 at Selhurst Park on Tuesday.
Eddie Nketiah scored a brace, while further strikes came from Chilwell and Eberechi Eze, who managed to continue his positive streak of form after bagging the FA Cup final winner.
Chilwell pays tribute to Palace captain Ward via social media
Neither Chilwell nor Ward featured in the FA Cup final, but both Englishmen made a good account of themselves against Wolves on a special occasion at Selhurst Park.
| Opponent | Result |
| Tottenham (A) | 0-2 W |
| Manchester City (FA Cup final) | 1-0 W |
| Wolves (H) | 2-0 W |
Meanwhile, taking to his Instagram story, [20 May], the man on loan from Chelsea wrote: “Unbelievable send off for this absolute legend” and tagged Ward.
FA Cup win hands Palace major contract boost
Palace are still rightfully delighted by their FA Cup triumph over Man City at Wembley last Saturday, as the South London club sealed their first ever major trophy.
But while the Eagles are pleased to have clinched silverware, their cup final victory also secures Europa League football ahead of next term.
That could be vital for Oliver Glasner’s men as they hope to retain star players such as Jean-Philippe Mateta and Marc Guehi, who have both been linked with moves away from Selhurst Park.
The French striker has been linked with a move to Manchester United, while Newcastle United have retained their interest in England defender Guehi.
But former Manchester United and West Ham scout Mick Brown has exclusively informed Football Insider that Palace’s FA Cup triumph and consequent Europa League status will enable them to hold contract talks with their star players.
Football Insider have also revealed that Palace are set to hold contract talks with Glasner amid interest from Tottenham.