Spain's David Villa would 'play on one leg' in Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Germany if coach Luis Aragones allowed him to - but he knows injury is about to keep him out of the biggest game of his career.
The Valencia striker, one of his country's star players in the competition and the finals' top scorer, injured a leg muscle in Thursday's 3-0 semi-final win over Russia and left the game early in the first half.
Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas came on as a replacement before the Spaniards knocked in all three of their goals to reach the final of a major tournament for the first time in 24 years.
Villa left the stadium without talking to reporters but later spoke to Spanish radio and said: "Now I have to enjoy the show from outside."
"I am very happy although it's clear that after the substitution I felt very bad."
"To play on Sunday would be a lottery - I would do it even if I had to play on one leg but this is a team. There are other players that will do better 100 percent than one who is injured."
Fabregas has played a pivotal role as well for Spain, coming off the bench in the quarter-final triumph over Italy and ultimately converting the clinching spot-kick in a penalty shootout.
He was sensational in an attacking midfield role and is just happy to be a part of the success.
"This game was there to be enjoyed as children do when they play in the park," said Fabregas.
"I have always felt important in this national team and when things go as well as they did, everything becomes easier."
"We have felt very comfortable on the pitch."