King Juan Carlos praises Spanish team

King Juan Carlos of Spain has moved to congratulate his country's football team following their Euro 2012 success on Sunday.

The world and European champions secured the European Championship trophy with a 4-0 victory over Italy, and the 74-year-old has offered his words of support.

"It is not easy to talk to champions. You have given great joy to all the Spanish people because you behaved like a team," King Juan Carlos told TVE.

"Vicente del Bosque has done a superb job, knowing how to manage many things and here is the result.

"We hope that we continue with this run, although we know that, in sport, you go up and then, go down. I give my congratulations."

Spain have become the first team in history to win three consecutive international tournaments.