Hundreds of thousands of jubilant fans took to the streets of Madrid yesterday evening to welcome home the new European champions.

Thousands were waiting at Barajas airport, where coach Aragonés, captain Casillas and Spain's new silverware were first out of the team jet.

After a brief photo-call, the party boarded an open-top bus for the triumphant procession to the Plaza de Colón where the euphoric celebrations continued well into the early hours without any major incidents.

It seems that Spain's 69 year old coach, who was given the bumps again by his players, has turned down a last-minute offer from the Spanish Football Federation to continue until the 2010 World Cup, and will be joining Turkish club Fenerbahce as expected.

The official celebrations continue today with an official reception at the Zarzuela Palace, where Mr Aragonés and his squad will be welcomed back by King Juan Carlos, Queen Sofía, as well as the Prince and Princess of Asturias.

This will be followed by a visit to the Palacio de la Moncloa for an audience with president Zapatero.