"Here we are, with the trophy. We've made it as we promised," Japan manager Philippe Troussier calmly but proudly said after returning to Tokyo from Beirut on Wednesday.
Troussier and his players were welcomed by some 300 fans on their arrival at Narita airport, which included applause, bouquets and screaming girls, after Japan won the Asian Cup for the first time since 1992.
Speaking to the media at a Narita hotel, Troussier stressed that the success came as a result of his team's hard work and preparation over the last two years.
"We deserved to the win as we've prepared for this tournament over the last two years, step by step. I'm grateful to our people for their help," said the 45-year-old Frenchman.
"We were regarded as a strong title contender and were expected to play well in the tournament, which was more pressure for us, but we overcame that. I believe this is a splendid achievement for us," Troussier said, as he praised his players for their performance and ability to adapt to a different environment.
"This time, we've left people with an image that Japan is strong," Jubilo Iwata midfielder Hiroshi Nanami, the MVP of the tournament, said. "I'm particularly happy that we won the Cup away in a Middle Eastern country. That's not easy."
Added Troussier: "Now I can see a highway laid straight in front of us leading up to the 2002 World Cup. We'll take that path with new responsibility and new ambition."
Troussier also said he hopes to see his team play 10-12 matches a year, mostly away against teams ranked in the top 20 in the world, to prepare for the World Cup that Japan will cohost with South Korea.
The JFA confirmed that Troussier's new contract through the 2002 World Cup became effective as of Nov. 1.