Alonso: De Jong broke my rib

Xabi Alonso claimed he has a broken rib after being the victim of “one of the worst tackles of my career.”

The former Liverpool midfielder was doubled up by Nigel de Jong’s X-rated lunge as the Manchester City midfielder plunged his studs into the Spaniard’s chest.

Spain hero Alonso said: “I am in pain now. It was one of the worst tackles I have ever had. They had to close us down, it was a tight game and there is respect from both sides.

“The challenge was really hard, it was one of the most painful tackles in my life. It was hard to play on. I have probably broken a rib.”

De Jong has admitted he was lucky not to have been sent off and referee Howard Webb has come in for most criticism from Spain for not sending off the Dutch hardman.

But Alonso insists that Spain are now just happy to celebrate completing their World Cup and Euro 2008 Double.

Alonso said: “It is difficult to describe in words. It is such an amazing feeling to have this trophy. It is an amazing feeling. To win this after the European Championships is brilliant and we are making history.

“Right now is not the time to think about the future, but of course the basics are there with this team. The style is there, the mentality is there, the team spirit is there, so if we keep working in this way many more big things may come.”

Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina insisted that he was not bothered that the dream final turned into a thuggish nightmare as Holland’s tough tactics wrecked the spectacle.

Reina, who celebrated on the pitch afterwards with his daughter Grecia, said: “She was with me on the pitch. I am delighted I could share it with her. It was an incredible moment.

“It feels there are no words to describe it. It is the biggest tournament in the world. We are really proud of what we did and I think the people in Spain feel the same. It is for all the fans and for all the country.

“I don’t mind the quality of the final all I mind is this (points to medal) and we have it. We will go into history. Holland were a little bit aggressive, but it is normal there is a lot at stake and we did what we knew.

“We have done everything and to win the Euros and the World Cup together is all you can ask of a team. Of course we want to win many more tittles but it is going to be difficult. The pressure is never again with us.”