Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas insisted his country's 1-0 victory over Germany in the Euro 2008 final was a triumph for 'beautiful football'.
Fernando Torres' sweetly-taken first-half goal proved the difference in Vienna as the Spaniards claimed their first major title for 44 years.
"It was a long time since we have seen a team of that quality trying to play beautiful football - I dont think we've seen many teams have success (playing that way)," the Arsenal star told BBC1.
"Finally, football has the success he deserves."
Of his feelings following the championship victory, Fabregas added: "This the best day of my life as a football player."
"I don't think we're conscious yet of what we have achieved. Forty-four years later we did it again."
"It's the best feeling you can have as a footballer. It's one of your dreams and I made it."
And Fabregas warned Spain will be just as strong when it comes to the World Cup in South Africa in two years' time.
"You can see how young we are - so hopefully in two years' time we will fight for the World Cup," he said.
Match-winner Torres had never won a trophy with Atletico Madrid, Liverpool or Spain before this game.
"I feel a tremendous joy," said the Liverpool striker. "It still hasn't sunk in what we've achieved."
"This is my first title and I hope it's the first of many. We are used to watching finals on television, but today we were here and we won."
"The team that has played the best football in the tournament has won the title and now we have a place in European football history."