May 20, 1992 at Wembley. In the 111th minute, deep into extra time, Eusebio won a free kick on the edge of the area. Sampdoria star Gianluca Vialli, sat on the bench, couldn’t bear to watch as Stoitchkov passed to Bakero and Koeman powered home the only game of the match. For Barça fans, Ronald Koeman will always be the Wembley hero.

One of his proudest moments

“I have seen lots of free kicks over the last 19 years. A lot of people have reminded me of it. It was one of the best moments of my football career”, says the Dutchman. He also remembers the build-up to the final. “A lot of people stopped me in the street to say that we had to win, that they didn’t want another night like Seville. There was a lot of pressure”.

Made a hero

Barça fans still shudder with excitement when they think of Koeman’s thunderbolt, and are still grateful to him today. “I was lucky to score such a decisive goal and I know I’ll be remembered for many years as the man who scored the winner in 1992. Personally, it’s very nice, although that takes nothing away from the efforts of the other players”.

The former defender agrees that Wembley “brings back many fond memories … it’s a magical place because it oozes with footballing atmosphere”. He has never been back either as a player or manager, but could well be there on the 28th. “If I can, of course I’ll return” he said.

Barça favourites

On the forthcoming Champions League final, Ronald Koeman considers FCB to be the favourites. “Football will be the winner. Barça and Manchester, along with Madrid, are the strongest teams. But because of the way they play, Barça are above the other two … United will be more comfortable playing in London, but Barça, because of their qualities, will feel at home”.