Christian Pulisic said it felt just crazy as the Chelsea forward became the first American player to be a Champions League winner.
The 22-year-old former Borussia Dortmund star came off the bench in the second half and went close to doubling Chelsea s lead, but they settled for a 1-0 victory over Manchester City.
Speaking after the final in Porto, Pulisic told CBS Sports: I can t explain it, it s still such a shock. I m so proud.
He was watched by his parents and a number of friends from the stands at the Estadio do Dragao, making the occasion all the more special.
I m so thankful for all the support. To have people here today was amazing, Pulisic said.
I knew I was going to have to put in the hard work defensively. I wish I put away the chance I had. I didn t quite get under it like I wanted, but in the end this team was always going to win this game and I m so proud of them.
Plagued by injuries this season, Pulisic was able to bring father Mark and mother Kelley into the celebrations on the pitch to mark a happy ending to a tough campaign.
What a night. What this kid has gone through this past year and to persevere and fight i am speechless.
— Mark Pulisic (@MarkPulisic)
Pulisic added: I have my parents here so I ve just been speaking to them. I m so proud to be here.
It s been a difficult road for me and I couldn t imagine winning the Champions League ever in my life and now I m here so it s just crazy.
While Chelsea s players head off to summer breaks or away on international duty, Pulisic said the aim next season would be to come back and try to do the same thing .
Olivier Giroud, who played a significant part in Chelsea reaching the final, was an unused substitute against City.
But the veteran striker, who could have a big role to play for France at Euro 2020, was determined to enjoy the evening.
It s extraordinary, we had a remarkable route, we knocked out some big teams like Real [Madrid], Atletico wasn t easy, Porto either, and tonight we played against a great team in City, Giroud told RMC Sports.
It wasn t played out on a big thing, these kinds of matches are played out in details.
Giroud hailed the performance of player of the match and fellow Frenchman N Golo Kante, whose action-packed display in midfield kept Chelsea moving forward.
N Golo Kanté. Magnifique! |
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague)
It s right that he was man of the match, he s huge, he won 50 balls, he hurt them, Giroud said.
He s unbelievable, this guy. It feels like there are 12 players on the pitch with him. I m happy for him.
We re a bunch of friends and it shows on the pitch, I m happy that our efforts have been rewarded. You could see our determination tonight and our desire to go out and get it.
