Crystal Palace co-owner Steve Parish declared that "sometimes the good guys win" following the club's maiden European trophy triumph in the Conference League.
The businessman, who fronted a supporter-led consortium that pulled Palace back from the brink of administration sixteen years ago, spoke of his disbelief at the achievement.
"It's incredible. An amazing achievement. All the ups and downs. To get to the Europa League, where we deserve to be," Parish told TNT Sports.
He admitted that when he first acquired the south London outfit, competing on the continental stage seemed an impossibility, let alone lifting silverware.
Crystal Palace co-owner Steve Parish declared that "sometimes the good guys win" after the club's Europa Conference League success
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"It's a dream come true," he added.
Departing manager Oliver Glasner reflected on what he described as a fitting conclusion to his spell at Selhurst Park, having overseen the most decorated period in the club's history.
"I can't even believe that this was the last game," the Austrian admitted.
He characterised his time with the Eagles as "a good chapter to read in the Crystal Palace book, but other chapters will follow."
Glasner noted that the Conference League success, combined with last year's FA Cup and Community Shield victories, represented delayed justice for the club.
Crystal Palace made history after winning the Europa Conference League on Wednesday
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"So sometimes, okay, you have to take a round trip, and now we are there. Crystal Palace is where they should be," he said.
Jean-Philippe Mateta emerged as the hero of the final against Rayo Vallecano, completing a remarkable turnaround in his Palace career.
The French striker came close to departing Selhurst Park during the January transfer window, with AC Milan his intended destination.
However, a knee problem meant he failed to secure medical clearance for the move, a situation that frustrated certain sections of the Palace faithful.
Mateta subsequently pledged his full commitment to Glasner and his teammates.
He delivered on that promise emphatically, converting the rebound after Adam Wharton's shot was saved to give Palace the lead, before celebrating with his trademark corner-flag kick.
"I feel fantastic. We did it. Our first time in Europe, I just want to celebrate," Mateta said after the match.
The Eagles won the contest 1-0 thanks to Mateta's strike | REUTERSThe forward acknowledged the physical toll of the contest, stating: "It's incredible. I am tired right now, we gave everything, that's why we won today."
The triumph secures Palace's return to European competition next season in the Europa League.
The club had originally earned a Europa League berth through their FA Cup victory but were removed from the competition following a legal dispute involving former investor John Textor, UEFA and Lyon over multi-club ownership regulations.
Nottingham Forest took their place in that instance.