"Hard work made it happen"

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez: "The first half we played really well but conceded a goal, a deflection, through bad luck. Then we were pushing and pushing and you leave a space and they have quality and it was the difference. We were trying to keep the ball and press high but you need to take your chances."

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt on Sky Sports 1: "(At half-time) we were in control. We had a few little chances and you have be lucky to score a goal. They were really lucky (to score) one minute before half-time, one of their players touched the ball in the area. We tried it for 90 minutes but unfortunately it didn't happen."

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, Sky Sports 1: "It's difficult to take but that's football. You've got to take it on the chin, move on and try to pick yourself up but at the moment it's heartbreaking. I thought we started well, we were in control just how we like to be but when you do that you've got to score. They got the first goal, with a bit of luck, but it was a big lift for them. We gave everything but it wasn't to be tonight."

AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf on ITV: "I am so proud to be part of this team. We worked hard this year, a very difficult year. Hard work makes it happen. We had such a great spirit this year. The final was not the best game, we were very concentrated, we knew we couldn't make any mistakes against them."

Milan forward Kaka, Sky Sports 1: "It is very nice to win the Champions League, I'm very happy because in 2005 we lost. What happened in 2005 was strange - for just six minutes we played not so good and paid for that and today we could do what we want. This is a beautiful side."

Veteran Milan defender Paolo Maldini, SKY Italia: "The fifth is still beautiful. This would be a great end to my career but I want to play next season and then it would be very beautiful to reach this point again next year."

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry: "It is bitterly disappointing to lose, it is the worst feeling in the world to lose a final. It doesn't matter getting to the final, it's all about winning it. Our fans are the best in the world and they deserved to be celebrating tonight."

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi on SKY Italia: "The match in Istanbul was better and we also played better there but finals are very emotional situations and it is not always who plays better that wins."