Jaap Stam on pain that lingers

“WHEN SOMEONE MENTIONS A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL, I’LL THINK OF 2005 BEFORE ’99. THE PAIN STAYS WITH YOU LONGER”

Netherlands 0-1 Germany April 24, 1996 Friendly

“When I received my first call from the national coach, Guus Hiddink, I thought it was a friend playing a joke, but it was a proud moment. I was a sub and spent the second half wondering if I was going to play. With 10 minutes left I came on to replace John Veldman – I was full of nerves but did well. We lost, but at least Germany didn’t score while I was on!”

Man United 2-1 B Munich

May 26, 1999 Champions League final

“I couldn’t have wished for a better first season in England, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup and then the climax to it all. I remember looking at the Camp Nou clock as the minutes counted down. It looked bad but Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored in the best two minutes of my whole career. We had a brilliant party that night to celebrate.”

Italy 0-0 Netherlands (3-1p)

June 29, 2000 European Championship

“We were hosting the Euros and should have won it, but lost to Italy in the semis. We missed two penalties during normal time, then it went to a penalty shootout. I hadn’t been on the original list to take one but the pressure got to some of the players, so they asked me to go forward. My technique was always to smash it as hard as I could, but it flew over the bar. There’s still a hole in the stadium roof...”

Milan 3-3 Liverpool 3 (2-3p)

May 25, 2005 Champions League final

“When someone mentions a Champions League final, I always think of this before 1999 – the pain of that defeat stays with you for longer. When the first Liverpool goal went in, we lost all our organisation and focus. When it got to penalties, we were down; they were lifted. But forget the rumours we celebrated at half-time: we had too much experience to do that.”