Euro champion returns home to celebrate first major title in 44 years

Source: Agencies  |   2008-7-1  |     ONLINE EDITION

EUROPEAN champion Spain returned home yesterday to hundreds of thousands of jubilant fans, all celebrating its victory over Germany and the country's first major football trophy in 44 years.

The overjoyed and animated players emerged from an open-top bus to form a conga line to make their way to a stage at Colon Square. After hoisting coach Luis Aragones into the air several times, they gathered around captain Iker Casillas and the European Championship trophy to sing along to Queen's "We are the champions."

"We're just starting to become aware of what we have achieved," Casillas screamed to the crowd. "We were really motivated to get back here to share this.

"This cup is yours," the Real Madrid goalkeeper said before turning the microphone to the "one man who got us where we are today, Luis Aragones."

Even the normally melancholy Aragones was overcome by emotion and joined the singing of "A Por Ellos" ("Let's Go Get Them"), which has been one of the team's theme songs since the 2006 World Cup.

"If I couldn't manage the quality of players that we have here, then it would be impossible to win the Euro. Why? Because we have the best team in the world," said the 69-year-old Aragones, who will resign as Spain's most successful coach despite repeated pleas from his players Monday to remain.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina began the official celebrations with a resume of each of the 23 players before surrendering the microphone.

"Without you guys, we wouldn't have been able to win this," said striker Fernando Torres, whose 33rd-minute goal Sunday gave Spain its 1-0 win Sunday.

The team unfurled a banner honoring Genaro Borras, the longtime team doctor who passed away shortly before the start of Euro 2008. Spanish singer Manolo Escobar eventually emerged to lead a live version of "Vive Espana" (Long Live Spain).