UCL winner Bale describes amazing journey
Real Madrid's run to UEFA Champions League glory has thrilled Gareth Bale, who is now a two-time European champion.
Gareth Bale described Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League triumph as an "amazing journey" after their victory over Atletico Madrid.
Real defeated city rival Atletico in the final for the second time in three years, winning 5-3 on penalties in Milan after a 1-1 draw to win the trophy for an 11th time.
Bale, who had a shot cleared off the line in the second half, scored in the shootout and eventually celebrated his second European title since moving to Estadio Santiago Bernabeu from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.
"The boys gave everything — the club and the fans have been amazing on this journey and deserve it," he said.
"Some of their players were struggling but we tried not to show it too much. I was nervous after the penalty, not while taking it. We kept going and we are lifting that trophy.
"What an amazing feeling, in extra-time we showed resilience, what we are made of and winning the 11th title.
"Atletico made it a great game and we feel a little bit sorry for them but a final’s a final and we had to win."
Bale will now turn his attention to Euro 2016 and is dreaming big with Wales.
"We will be going for that title as well — why not?" he said.
Madrid captain Sergio Ramos also felt the triumph was one the club warranted after a mixed campaign that saw Rafael Benitez replaced by Zinedine Zidane.
He said: "It is just rewards for all our hard work. We knew that it was a unique chance to make history and after an up and down season it is a reward."
