Milito enjoys slice of history

Forward Diego Milito expressed his "incredible joy" after scoring both FC Internazionale Milano goals in the 2-0 UEFA Champions League final triumph against FC Bayern München at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday.

Milito struck in the 35th and 70th minutes to ensure the Italian double winners ended the season by celebrating their first European crown in 45 years. "It's incredible, and there are no other words for it," he told UEFA.com.

"It has been an extraordinary year, a historic year for Italian football. No team has done what we've done this year, and to win this cup after so many years, for a club like Inter, that's what they deserved. I'm one of the privileged few to win this trophy."

Both Milito's goals were worthy of landing European club football's greatest prize. For the first he picked out Wesley Sneijder with a cushioned header, then ran on to his team-mate's through ball before shooting deftly over Jörg Butt after a slight feint had deceived the Bayern goalkeeper.

His second was equally sublime, the front man turning past Daniel Van Buyten to break into the area then sending a curling effort in at the far post. "A dream has come true for all of us," he said. "I don't think I have made it in to the history books, I think we have all done something historic. We have won the treble and we are delighted, but I don't think it has fully sunk in yet. We deeply respected Bayern, but we played well and took advantage of the chances we had on the break."

The 30-year-old Argentinian international had warm words for coach José Mourinho whom he hugged as he left the pitch to a standing ovation when substituted late in the game. After six years shared between Real Zaragoza and Genoa CFC, it was Mourinho who gave Milito his first real shot at the big time and the striker has thrived on the highest stage.

"I'm grateful to Mourinho and all the others who have supported me. He is a great coach and has worked hard. He has given the team a new identity after making many changes. I'm eternally grateful for everything he has taught me."

Milito finished the campaign on six goals in the UEFA Champions League as well as 22 in Inter's Serie A triumph, an incredible return in his first term at San Siro. Not surprisingly, his colleagues were queuing up to praise the striker.

"Milito deserves all this success, he is a great striker," captain Javier Zanetti told UEFA.com. "He arrived here a year ago with a lot of humility and has shown everyone his value." Midfielder Esteban Cambiasso added: "Milito is an extraordinary player. He managed to adapt to this team immediately, and he is loved by everyone at the club. He does incredible things. I hope he never stops."