Jude Bellingham was on the verge of tears after Real Madrid won the Champions League on Saturday night.
The England superstar became a European champion at the age of 20 to cap off a magnificent debut season at the biggest club in world football.
Bellingham was also named LaLiga Player of the Season after scoring 19 goals in 28 games to help Madrid cruise to the Spanish title.
And with the domestic campaign now complete, the boy from Birmingham struggled to contain his emotions.
Holding back tears, Bellingham told TNT Sports: “I’ve always dreamt of playing in these games. You go through life with people telling you that you can’t do things.
“Days like this remind you. It gets hard sometimes and you wonder whether it’s worth it but nights like this make you realise. I was alright until I saw my mum and dad.”
Bellingham added: “Nights like where they could have been at home by 7 o’clock but they’re out until 12 on trips to take me to football. And my little brother [Jobe Bellingham] who I’m trying to be a role model for. The best night of my life.”
Dani Carvajal opened the scoring in the 73rd minute and Bellingham was involved in the second, capitalising on a misplaced pass by Ian Maatsen and feeding Vinicius Jr, who put the game to bed.
When asked if this is the perfect season, Bellingham responded: “I think it’s got to be up there. I mean, we missed out on the Copa del Rey, that’s the only disappointing thing I suppose, but there’s always many more years to try and get that one.
“But I can’t have dreamt it better than this, I’m so grateful honestly. The teammates, the staff, my family, the team behind the team, the physios, everyone, this is a massive group effort and I just can’t believe it.”
Bellingham now heads to England’s Euro 2024 camp ahead of this summer’s tournament in Germany, which begins on June 14.
He is a big reason why many consider Gareth Southgate’s men the -pre-tournament favourites – and Three Lions legend Stuart Pearce hopes Saturday night will boost England’s chances.
“I think it’s good for Gareth and the squad that they’ve got a European champion walking through the door,” Pearce told talkSPORT.
“He’s got the ability and the character to switch a button and be very level, very grounded and change his days from celebration to focus and winning something for England this year.
“I hope he’s successful in that endeavour. We talk about him having a quiet game today but he’s not even 21. He’s entitled to that.
“But as a 20-year-old man, with the eyes of the world upon him, it’s incredible what he’s done.”