Emerson Palmieri admits he ‘never thought’ he’d win the Champions League with Chelsea and acknowledges ‘without Italy and Italian football,’ he wouldn’t have reached this level.

The left-back and Jorginho picked up gold medals this evening, whereas the only Italian to have won the Champions League with a non-Italian side had been Christian Panucci for Real Madrid in 1998.

“It’s a wonderful sensation. You always dream of reaching this level one day. When I left Brazil, it was with the hope of winning this,” Emerson told Sky Sport Italia.

“A couple of years ago we won the Premier League, now we win the Champions League. I salute my friends and family in Italy and Brazil. It’s wonderful.

“When I lifted the trophy, I thought of everything I experienced and went through to get here. I never thought I’d reach this level. I thought of my family and friends who are watching.

“I had some difficulties at Palermo, then from Roma onwards, I really felt Italian. I learned to love Italy and I know full well that without Italy and Italian football, I would never have become the Emerson Palmieri I am today. Thank you to all of Italy!”