Spain winger Nico Williams said the Euro 2024 winners “made history” on and off the pitch following their 2-1 win over England in Berlin on Sunday.
Spain were without midfielder Rodri injured at half-time but just two minutes into the second half, Lamine Yamal dribbled the ball down the left wing and Williams cut the ball under England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to give them the lead.
“I wish the game had ended there, but it didn’t,” said Williams, who was named Most Valuable Player.
Cole Palmer gave England hope when he equalised just three minutes after coming on, but Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner with four minutes remaining.
Spain won all seven games on their way to a record-breaking fourth European Cup but Williams said it had not been easy for his team.
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“We had to suffer. We had to suffer like animals,” Williams told reporters.
“Right now we don’t know what we’ve done. Tomorrow we will return to Spain and live it out with our fans and give back the love and warmth they have given us.”
“I think we’ve made history.”
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Williams’ parents arrived as refugees in northern Spain from Ghana, and his older brother Inaki represents the African country.
The 22-year-old dedicated the win to his parents and said there had been a “historic change” for the Spanish national team.
“My family has been fighting for this moment, this is for my whole family, everyone that believed in me from the beginning,” Williams said.
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“My parents suffered a lot to get to this point, they were the ones who suffered the most and they instilled this respect and loyalty in me.
“At the end of the day, I think footballers have a big impact on society and I’m really happy that we’re making history.”
Williams’ wing partner Yamal, who turned 17 on Saturday, was named the tournament’s best young player.
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“Lamin is a great player, you saw him in this tournament,” Williams said.
“He won the Young Player of the Year award. He has limitless potential. He’s a great player and a great person.”
Asked if his team were favourites to win the 2026 World Cup, Williams said the immediate focus was on enjoying a taste of success in Germany.
“First of all we have to be happy about winning the Euros.
“It’s two years, a very long two years, but we’re taking it one step at a time.”
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