Atletico Madrid coach Quique Flores was delighted after his side overcame Fulham in the final of the inaugural Europa League to secure just the second European trophy in the club’s history.
Two goals from striker Diego Forlan, the second of which came with five minutes of extra-time remaining, secured the win for and set them up for a possible cup double with the Copa del Rey final to come next week.
“I’m excited, because it has been a tough season. It was an opportunity for us to make history and not something that comes around too often. There are no words to define this,” he told Telecinco afterward.
“In our hands we had the hopes of thousands of people and when you get to be champion you feel very happy.
“This is wonderful. Making people happy is a huge satisfaction. Those who are here are just a drop from the huge Atletico world. This victory is for them, I’m glad they are filling Madrid. Today, Atletico have many reasons to be proud. I’m glad it’s so.”
Flores praised the efforts of the players who have transformed their season over the course of the last few months.
“I do not want to contain the euphoria, much less,” he added. “I do not plan anything, there are two days to enjoy. To realize what has been achieved won’t come until many years later. It is very important for the club’s history. This is a time for players, they are in their own world and we must let them to be released,” he declared.
“I am extremely grateful and proud of them, because they have done something very difficult, to reverse a whole season.
Flores also paid tribute to the efforts of Europa final opponents Fulham, saying they would have been worthy winners.
“Fulham have been an excellent opponent for Atletico and a team worthy of winning the cup,” he added.
