PARIS, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o claimed that Liverpool's dramatic recovery in last season's Champion League final had inspired his side to a 2-1 win over Arsenal in this season's final on Wednesday.

    "We never thought the game was lost," said the Cameroon striker.

    "After having seen what Liverpool did last year we told ourselves not to throw in the towel. We followed Liverpool's example.

    Liverpool staged a miraculous comeback last May when they overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat AC Milan in shootout.

    "In the final you can't doubt yourselves. The final's played right up to the last whistle. We covered ourselves in the spirit of Liverpool," said Eto'o.

    Barcelona's former Arsenal defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst said winning the final against his ex-team-mates had been particularly emotional.

    "It's special to win the final, and even more special to do it against your old team," he said.

    "It felt a bit strange but I am happy to be on the winning side.

    "It means a lot, the team has worked hard to win this prize. Itis only the second time the club has won it.

    "We have had a great season, we are the champions of Spain and now this."

    Swedish striker Henrik Larsson was ecstatic after setting up the two late goals which won Barcelona the Champions League in his last game for the club.

    "It was an unbelievable way for me to finish my career at Barca," he said after beating Arsenal 2-1.

    "I have had a fantastic experience here in my two years with two league titles and now this. It's amazing."

    Barca's win also means Larsson's former club Celtic qualify directly for next season's Champions League group stage. Enditem