Europe celebrates Ryder Cup success: 'It's a culmination of two years of very hard work'
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Updated 01/10/2018 at 14:14 GMT
The European Ryder Cup team reacted with pride and joy after a comprehensive victory over their US opponents.
Francesco Molinari - Ryder Cup 2018
Image credit: Getty Images
Captain Thomas Bjorn praised his picks for their success:
It's been brilliant. They came together as a team and made it very easy for me and the vice-captains. The fans were amazing, the best in the world, we can't do it without them. I'm proud of this 12. We stand across some great players - they are the best in the world alongside these guys and it's been a privilege and honour to be in this situation.
Henrik Stenson was glad to put the disappointment of the last cup to bed:
“I was one of the guys who was there to lose it two years ago, so that little bit of extra revenge makes it feel even sweeter. So amazing team.
“We've had such a good week together and feel really honoured to play with these guys. They have done amazing. We've had so much fun and to come out here in front of the home crowds to deliver, that's very special.”
Rory McIlroy found time to praise his captain's work and choices, and also mentioned that he was still hurting from the defeat two years ago:
It's incredible. We took a really tough loss at Hazeltine a couple of years ago and that stung. That was my first experience of what it feels like to be on the other side, so coming in here, obviously none of us want to feel like that object a Sunday afternoon.
"I think that the leadership's been great. I think the players, the rookies have been phenomenal. You know, we've all just stuck to our jobs and we've all -- one of the great things about today is we all won The Ryder Cup points. Jon Rahm got a point and Thorbjørn got a point and I'm delighted for them, it means that all 12 -- it validates what Thomas has wanted to do.
"It validates who made the team, the picks he made. It's a culmination of two years of very hard work and I'm delighted for everyone that's a part of it."
Alex Noren, crucial to success in the final stages, spoke of his happiness at being involved in all the success:
“It's always easier to play when the guys have already done the job. I mean, I was just trying to finish it off in a good way and we played good all day.
“Bryson played good all day. I'm very happy. I'm very happy about all the guys played and I'm very happy to be on this unbelievable team.”
Sergio Garcia was overcome by emotion as the celebrations started to kick off:
"I don't usually cry, but I couldn't help it. What a week. It's been a rough year, but you know, we fought hard. Obviously so thankful for Thomas to pick me and believe in me, and you know, so happy, so happy to get the Cup back here in Paris and in Europe and for everyone to enjoy it as much as they did."
He has now scored more Cup points than any other competitor, but was quick to praise the achievements of the team:
"It means a lot but at the end of the day, I've always said it. It's about the team and I'm happy that I was able to help. I'm happy that I was able to help with some of the points. It's a bonus. It's something that I never thought I would have the possibility of doing it, and now that it's happened, you know, I'm just so happy. I mean, these guys are unbelievable."
And Ryder Cup veteran Ian Poulter was effusive when talking about the team's qualities:
“I think the fans have been amazing. You know, this is a special team. There's a young bunch of kids. I was fortunate to get a pick as an old man to come and play, and you know what, I helped out a little bit and these boys were assembly incredible.
“To bring this trophy back, to keep that run going the way we have, you know, we're a strong force in Europe. We knew we were the underdogs and that made us even more determined this week.”
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