Cesc Fabregas said that he will fondly remember Spain's European Championship final win over Germany as "the best day" of his life.
Fabregas, 20, made a stunning contribution to Spain's success throughout the tournament, mostly after coming into games as a substitute. But he was overjoyed when he was selected to start the final replacing injured striker David Villa in 4-5-1 formation shuffle, as his country lifted their first major tournament in 44 years.
He said: "This is the best day of my life as a football player.
"It's a long time since [we have seen] a team of that quality, trying to play football and put the ball on the ground to create chances and play beautiful football."
"I don't think I have seen any teams like that having success but finally football has the success it deserves."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson echoed Fabregas' sentiments, saying that Spain's triumph at the European Championship is a "triumph" for football and that Luis Aragones' side fully deserved their 1-0 win over Germany at the Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna.
"When a team plays that type of football it's a triumph for the game,"said Ferguson.
"I was pleased for them, it was a really good performance last night. Spain were a far, far better team (than Germany) and I think they have been the best team."
Spain coach Luis Aragones, who leaves the national post on a high after announcing his intention to become the new coach of Fenerbache next season in Turkey, said: "We have put together a group that passes very well and it's very difficult to stop them.
"We have won this tournament in a brilliant way. Spain have been a model for playing football the right way."
