The Dutch boss has paid tribute to all the parties who played a role in the Catalans' success throughout the season.

"We are all very pleased to have won the league," Rijkaard was quoted as saying by Barcelona's official website on Thursday.

"We all hoped that the time would come to celebrate this. It is an unforgettable moment. The players, the board and, of course, the backroom team all deserve this

title because of the hard work that has been put in," he added.

Barcelona have retained the Spanish League title on Wednesday after their closest challengers Valencia slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Mallorca before they edged Celta Vigo 1-0.

The Catalans, who have a match in hand, are 11 points clear at the top of the league with just two matches to go.

Rijkaard was thrilled with Barcelona's ability to dominate the Spanish football for two successive seasons.

"I am particularly happy because we have maintained our position at the top of the table, which was the most difficult thing to do," he said.

"They say that it is easier to reach the top than it is to stay their. This team, with a great deal of effort, has achieved that," he added.

Rijkaard's men still have a chance to grasp another title this season when they play Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final on May 17th in Paris.