Europe captain Jose Maria Olazabal says his team played in the "spirit of Seve Ballesteros without ever giving up" while Sergio Garcia believes he would not have won his match without his late compatriot.
Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia: Spanish delight
Olazabal's men made the impossible possible on Sunday as they came from 10-6 deficit before the start of play to beat the United States 14.5-13.5 to retain the Ryder Cup at Medinah.
Euorpe were dressed in the colours of the late Ballesteros on the final day and had a silhouette of the former Ryder Cup captain on their bags all week as part of a tribute to the Spanish great, who died in May 2011 after a long battle with a brain tumour.
Five-time major winner Ballesteros has been credited by many as the man who took Europe to new heights as he played in eight tournaments and captained the side to victory at home in 1997.
"Our team played in the spirit of Seve without ever giving up," said Olazabal.
"You believed and you delivered and I'm proud that you have kept Europe's hand on this Ryder Cup."
He added: "Seve will always be present with this team and he was a big factor for this event.
"The boys understood that believing was the most important thing and they did. To the 12 men of Europe, what you did out there was outstanding.
"All men die but not all men live and you made me feel alive again this week."
Garcia beat Jim Furyk 1 up late in the day to square the match at 12-12 before Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer saw off Matt Kuchar and Steve Stricker respectively to give Europe the 14 points they needed.
"I have no doubt in my mind that he was with me all day because there's no chance I would have won my match if he wasn't there," said Garcia.
"It was amazing and it feels so good to be able to win it for him and for our captain, Jose; it's been amazing."
Justin Rose, who beat Phil Mickelson on the 18th, added: "In the moment you've got to do what you've got to do, but as soon as I holed that putt [on the 18th], as soon as I came off the green, my first thought has been to Seve.
"I had a glance down and looked at my left sleeve and that's the kind of stuff he would have done.
"He's been an inspiration for this team all week long."
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