Roma defender Alessandro Florenzi said he could not believe the wonder goal he conjured up to earn his side a Champions League draw with Barcelona.
The full back took aim from the right-hand touchline, almost on the halfway line, and sent a perfect effort soaring over Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to make it 1-1 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Florenzi, 24, received three standing ovations -- one lasting several minutes as everyone in the stadium tried to take in what they had witnessed -- and others as he left the pitch at half and full-time.
"When I saw it went in, I honestly didn't know how to celebrate," he told UEFA.com. "I put my hands on my face because I knew that I had scored a goal that I will never forget."
It was crazy! When I saw the goal, I didn't believe it! One of the best goals I've received in my career. https://t.co/oPLa9sLTbJ
- Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) September 16, 2015
Florenzi said he was aware that Germany international ter Stegen liked to come off his line, but added: "The ball seemed to be in the air for an eternity.
"It was difficult -- but it was instinct, craziness and a bit of heart that allowed me to score this beautiful goal.
"It was practically a last resort because Edin [Dzeko] was being marked by two defenders. I said: 'I'll try it,' and I managed to get it to land under the bar and score a great goal.
"It's very valuable -- firstly because we've taken a point off the strongest side in the world, and secondly because it shows we're a great team.
"If we always play like that, with such unity, we can do very well both in Serie A and the Champions League."
Florenzi, who began his career as an attacking midfielder before moving to a defensive role, also scored against Chievo on the opening day of the Serie A season.
"He could become one of the best in the world in that position," said Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.
"This was a draw which is like a win in what's going to be an incredibly difficult group."
Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Luis Enrique refused to blame ter Stegen for Florenzi's stunning goal, which wiped out the lead given to the Champions League holders by Luis Suarez.
"He took a chance and scored a goal," he said. "Well done to him -- but this is a problem we will have given the type of defence we play with.
"The goal is my fault. We tell our keepers to play like that. But I'd bet nobody will score another one against us."