Jose Mari Olazábal, the captain of the European team that on Sunday won the historic victory in the 39th edition of the Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club in Chicago, continues to receive praise in the media and congratulations from all over the world, including a call from the King of Spain, Juan Carlos I. This morning, at the Sofitel Hotel at Heathrow Airport (London), he gave a crowded press conference.
José Mari Olazábal: “It has been incredible, a week full of emotions. I’m still on a cloud, on the crest of the wave.
“The end was wonderful although I must admit that the first few days were very hard, things didn’t start well for our team and it seemed like we had everything going against us.
“The phone has not stopped ringing, I have received many messages but, above all, there is a call that has surprised me a lot: the King of Spain. He congratulated me and told me that he is as happy as I am, that he is very happy with our triumph. Rafa Nadal also congratulated me and I was very happy.
“Throughout the week there’s been a lot of tension, nerves, pressure, adrenaline pumping… but that’s the greatness of the Ryder Cup and, to be honest, that’s what drives us, that’s what makes us feel alive.
“I don’t know if the comeback was a miracle, but it was certainly something extraordinary. What the players achieved on Sunday in Medinah was incredible; history will judge that, but the credit was theirs, twelve magnificent players who gave it their all. I am very proud of them and of the four Vice Captains.
“No, I will not be captain again. There are several candidates – Thomas Björn, Darren Clarke, Paul Lawrie, Paul McGinley, Padraig Harrington and Lee Westwood – who deserve to be and I am sure they will do very well.”
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