Arsenal captain Kim Little said their Champions League triumph would ‘go down in history as one of the best moments this club has ever had’.
Beth Mead provided the assist for Stina Blackstenius’ second-half goal against reigning champions Barcelona – a decisive strike that ended Arsenal’s 18-year wait for European silverware.
Little, 34, who joined the club a year after their last European success in 2007, said: ‘It’s very special for me. I’ve obviously been at the club a very long time, and we’ve had incredible periods where we’ve been successful.
‘To still be at the club now after that long period (since 2007), and to see how much has been invested in the women’s game and in us as players, it’s very special to be sitting here now off the back of winning the ultimate trophy for a football club and it is definitely the best moment of my career.
‘I’m not quite sure it has sunk in yet. To have won a Champions League with Arsenal will definitely go down in history as one of the best moments this club has ever had. I’m sure days after this day we will reflect on it and really see that.’
Despite having won the competition three times in the past four seasons, Barcelona couldn’t overcome a resolute Arsenal performance.
Little added: ‘We knew coming into this game that we had to be basically perfect to beat a Barcelona team who have been one of the best in Europe in recent years.
‘I think the team showed incredible discipline and focus throughout the game to achieve that. For Beth and Stina to come in and make that impact is incredible.’
Renee Slegers, the 36-year-old manager who was elevated from interim manager to the permanent role just four months ago, warned that there could be more to come from her side.
The Arsenal boss said: ‘There are so many things that have happened this season and so many hard times. We have always fought back and the belief was growing every single day in the season.
‘I’m so happy for everyone that they got the rewards today. They are so worth it. They worked extremely hard. Of course we will reflect and take all of this in. There is still more in this team and that is the scary part.
‘We will really celebrate tonight and enjoy the moment. Then we will come back and I’m so excited about more with this team.’
Arsenal fans will get the chance to celebrate with the team and the trophy on Monday, with the club set to put on celebrations outside the Emirates in Armoury Square.