Kiev: Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque on Monday hailed his team as representing a "great era" of Spanish football after their 4-0 Euro 2012 final victory over Italy.

Goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata secured Spain's record third-successive major trophy in a showcase of sublime passing and ruthless finishing.

"We are talking about a great generation of footballers," Del Bosque said. "They have roots. They know how to play because they come from a country that knows how to play," he said.

Del Bosque said he had witnessed Spain progress from being a very insular footballing nation to one that exports more and more players with every passing season.

"We have great lads who play abroad, and that was impossible before," he said. "Before we didn't actually have players abroad and now foreigners want our players, so this is a great era for Spanish football," he added.

He dedicated the victory to his countrymen back home.

"For all of the Spanish people, this was a special night for them," he said.

Del Bosque said he had already received royal congratulations from King Juan Carlos I.

"I have talked to the king and his son, they were very excited, and told us they will see us tomorrow." (IANS)