We are the "runners-up" ... of Europe

I'm paying my dues -
I'm facing the agony of defeat
But hard to erase -
And the costly mistakes
I'm to blame too
I'm feeling the frustations right in my face - For I've let two goals through

We are the "runners-up" - my friends
And tried to keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the "runners-up"-
We are the "runners-up"
No more kicking around
Cause we are the "runners-up" - of the world -

I'm taking my bows
And my curtain calls -
Still got fame and fortune and everything that goes with it -
I thank you all -

But its been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise -
I consider it humiliation before the whole human race -
And I have to accept the loss -

We are the "runners-up" - my friends
And tried to keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the "runners-up"-
We are the "runners-up"
No more kicking around
Cause we are the "runners-up" - of Europe

* Modified from Queens' We are the champion lyric but the tune remain the same.

It just shows what a good sport we Red Devils are. Barca were the better team. And, Sir Alex complimented Barcelona. Read report below:

Sir Alex Ferguson says Barcelona deserved to win

Herald Sun, May 28th, 2009

MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted his team was beaten by a better side in the Champions League final in Rome.

United started well against Barcelona and almost took the lead through a Cristiano Ronaldo fre kick after less than two minutes.

But Barcelona took control and won 2-0 with goals by Samuel Eto'o after 10 minutes and Lionel Messi after 70.

"We got into good positions but, in fairness, we were beaten by the better team," Ferguson said

"I don't think we played as well as we can but we were against a good team.

"The first goal was a killer for us. We started vibrantly but once they scored we were up against it. We couldn't keep the ball all night."

But he paid tribute to his team, who were chasing an historic four trophies in a season before losing the FA Cup semi-final on penalties.

"They have done well," Ferguson said of his team.

"We have had a long season - this was 66 games. They need credit for their resilience and for some of the football they have played."

United defender Rio Ferdinand also admitted Barcelona were the better side today.

"On a night like this you need to be able to play your best football and we didn't produce it," Ferdinand said.

"You have to give credit to Barcelona. They played well. I don't think any one of us can say we played well as individuals or collectively."

Barcelona coach Guardiola is the sixth person to win the European title as both player and coach, and he admits it is a very different experience.

"Both are special," he told Sky Sports.

"As a player I was young and it was first Champions League for the club. Now to get the treble (as manager) is marvellous."

Guardiola admitted United's bright start caught his team off balance.

"I didn't expect that," he said.

"Manchester pressed up high and they pressed four against four and caused us problems but the goal from (Samuel) Eto'o - it was marvellous for us.

"After that we kept possession and we tried to get the second goal, which we did."

Barce now hope to do what United failed to do this year - become the first side to win back-to-back Champions League titles.

"Now is the time for rest," he said.

"After this season we will prepare - this has never happened. One team has never reclaimed it as it is so difficult and everyone wants to beat us - that is the point."

"We now have to be humble and that is the key."

Barcelona striker Thierry Henry paid tribute to United despite his team's victory today.

"Manchester United are the best team in the world - they won it in January - and you have to give respect to them to come back again," he said.

"I have been waiting so long to get this title. Finally, today."