Speaking to Spanish broadcasters following the emotional triumph, the former Manchester City forward offered a deeply poignant reflection on his match-winning contribution. Torres said: "This goal was for 47 million people... It was all written, we had to win.
"When you have [Lionel] Messi on the opposing team, it's always a risk of an earthquake. We were always ourselves. It's a liberation, it was very important. God gave me the strength to continue and, in the end. God gives to those who deserve it."