Greece captain Theo Zagorakis, the former Leicester City midfielder, revealed his immense pride at having led the Euro 2004 underdogs to a shock victory against Portugal.
Zagorakis declared that the heart and soul which had carried his side to success were the "greatest gifts that God ever gave us".
Having defended forall their worth against a Portugal side devoid of inspiration, Greece completed one of the competition's greatest shocks as Angelos Charisteas headed the winner from their only corner.
The striker, who is not even a regular at Werder Bremen, was just another example of a supposed journeyman professional turned into a match-winner by German coach Otto Rehhagel.
Zagorakis, meanwhile, who made just 45 starts in 2 1/2 years with Leicester, was released on a free transfer to AEK Athens in June 2000.
On the day that he equalled the record as his country's most capped player (95), the 32-year-old midfielder held aloft the European championship trophy after their 1-0 victory.
Zagorakis, voted the man-of-the-match, declared: "My mind was completely blank, the only thing that I wanted to do was to lift the cup. In fact, I have no words to describe how I feel right now.
"We have just proved once again that the Greek soul is, and always will be, our strength. It is the greatest gift that God ever gave us."
Greece had not won a game at a major tournament before a 2-1 win against Portugal in the opening match set them on the path to success, via victories against France and the Czech Republic.
Zagorakis said, "You can't imagine what is going on in the dressing-room, with all the joy in there. Of course, we dedicate this cup to Greek people all over the world. I think we have given them something more than joy.
"We have given them a great pride, which they will be able to carry with them for the rest of their lives."
Greece coach Rehhagel side-stepped questions as to whether he would be lured into becoming the new Germany coach ahead of the 2006 World Cup in his homeland.
"Now is the time for the team. We are off to the hotel to celebrate this victory and there is no place for any other words," he insisted.
