Xavi Hernández celebrates rome 2009

Xavi Hernández was left to reflect on a "wonderful" feeling after inspiring FC Barcelona to victory in the UEFA Champions League final with yet another midfield masterclass.

The 29-year-old crowned a memorable 12 months in Rome by setting up Barça's second goal for Lionel Messi in the 2-0 win against Manchester United FC and was selected as the man of the match by the UEFA Technical Study Group, yet another personal accolade for the midfielder who was also named the player of the tournament at UEFA EURO 2008™:

I'm very happy, especially for the team and for my personal prize – we're very content. This is historic, for Barcelona and the squad.

Xavi, one of seven homegrown players in the Catalan club's starting lineup produced by the famed academy at La Masia, encapsulates the club's philosophy and has no doubts the Blaugrana's family spirit had been a crucial factor:

I feel very comfortable; I've said for a long time that it is wonderful with these team-mates around me. We worked hard and pressured United by attacking so they wouldn't feel comfortable. Apart for the first ten minutes, we dominated most of the game.

That has been the story of Barça's season, with 42 of their 61 matches ending in victory and the Spanish Liga and Copa del Rey titles already secured – although Xavi has no doubts which trophy means the most, saying simply:

This one, it's clear. It's the club's third European Cup and without doubt this is the best title. I don't know, I'll leave that for other people to say. I can only say it's a privilege to be considered in that debate. I don't know if we are the best team, but this treble is historic so we have to enjoy it.

via uefa.com