Lahm and Co, a truly golden generation

Aside from relief and elation, Philipp Lahm’s main thought when the final whistle blew at Wembley on Saturday evening will have been: At last! Finally, Bayern had claimed their fifth triumph in the world's most prestigious club competition. And at last, club captain Lahm and his deputy Bastian Schweinsteiger successfully negotiated the final, toughest steps to the summit of European football.

“I'm especially delighted for the Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm generation, because they've won the biggest prize at last," commented coach Jupp Heynckes. “It's just magnificent, because they've finally added an international trophy to their many domestic honours. Leaving aside the World Cup for a moment, this has to be the crowning glory for every player."