The Catalans completed a historic treble, the first one in Spanish clubs' history, after securing a deserved 2-0 victory over English champions United in Rome.

"If you take the ball and you attack and you are daring you have more chances of winning," Guardiola told the post-match news conference.

"We have not been cowards, never in the match. There’s no other way. There’s nothing more dangerous than not taking risks.

"We have worked many, many hours throughout the season and I know there are many people who are very happy and this is our payment."

Two goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi either side of the interval gifted Barcelona their third European Cup title.

Argentinean sensation Messi outshone United's winger Cristiano Ronaldo as he bids to beat the Portuguese to the 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year award.

Ronaldo, the 2008 Player of the Year, tried his luck from distance early in the first-half but his shots did not hit the target.

Messi was more efficient, skipping past opponents far too easily and scoring Barca's second goal with a deft header.

"We deserved it for everything that we have done this year," the 21-year-old, who missed out on Barcelona's 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the 2006 Champions League final, said.

"When things sink in we will be able to look back at what we have done and what it means."

"I will not forget the way that everyone played as we took on a great team."