• Euro 2012

Iniesta rejoices over 'magical' victory

ESPN staff
July 2, 2012
Andres Iniesta was a key man for Spain © PA Photos
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Euro 2012 final man-of-the-match Andres Iniesta has described Spain's triumph as "magical".

Iniesta and his team-mates dismantled Italy on Sunday evening, claiming an emphatic 4-0 victory in Kiev. After collecting their third major international trophy in as many tournaments, Iniesta believes Spain have achieved a feat that will never be matched.

"The truth is, the team today were great and all the players were on their top level," he said. "Spanish football is living great years. We are very complete as a football side, we have to be proud of that.

"We want to enjoy it. It's unique. It's magical. Something that can't be repeated. We haven't ignored how great this is."

Iniesta is favourite to be named Player of the Tournament on Monday, and is expected to be on the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or. But the Barcelona midfielder insists the personal accolades mean little as he responded to criticism over Spain's playing style.

"Football is my life," Iniesta said. "My life would mean nothing without football. For me, awards are not the most important thing - I'm just happy we're champions again.

"It doesn't matter who scores the goals. The Ballon d'Or is not important, either. I enjoy what I'm doing and, if people appreciate it, I'm happy.

"We are not here to say that our game is the most beautiful of them all. Everyone has a different opinion. Today, we had a great level of play and we were faithful to our style."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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