Euro 2024: Spain star Williams full of praise for his team

Spain winger Nico Williams expressed pride in his team’s “historic” 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin. Spain, despite losing midfielder Rodri to injury at half-time, took the lead early in the second half. Lamine Yamal, cutting in from the left, assisted Williams, who scored past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

“I wanted the match to end then and there, but it didn’t,” said Williams, who was named man of the match.

England’s Cole Palmer equalized three minutes after coming on as a substitute, but Mikel Oyarzabal secured the win for Spain with a late goal.

Spain’s path to a record-breaking fourth European crown was marked by determination. “We had to suffer. We had to suffer like animals,” Williams told reporters. “Right now, we don’t realize what we’ve done. We’ll return to Spain tomorrow and live this thing with the fans and return the love and warmth they’ve given us. I think we’ve made history.”

Williams, whose parents arrived as refugees from Ghana, dedicated the win to his family. “My family has fought for this moment. This is for all of them, everyone who believed in me from the very beginning,” he said.

Williams’ teammate, 17-year-old Yamal, was named young player of the tournament. “Lamine is incredible… you’ve all seen him in this tournament,” said Williams. “He’s got the prize for the best young player. The sky’s the limit for him.”

Looking ahead, Williams said, “First of all, we need to enjoy this victory at the Euros. Two years, two very long years, but we will take things step by step.”