He recalls the final: ‘On the day of the final I was really keen to play the match. It was a great day especially as all of Spain could share in the celebrations. And we won. From then on it was a time of great joy not just for Marcos Senna but for all the players who were part of it. Their lives changed because of being part of winning the Championship.’

The quarter-final against Italy was an equally memorable game which was only settled in a penalty shoot-out.‘We really celebrated the victory over Italy in the quarter final if not more than the final because Spain had this barrier of not getting past the quarter finals in big tournaments. And of course, Italy were the 2006 World Cup winners. We had practised penalties the day before but on the day we had played 90 minutes plus extra time. I was exhausted and had cramp everywhere. I knew that I would be one of the penalty-takers. I was calm and felt God’s Spirit coming on me and giving me peace and clarity and I was able to shoot well, score and do the business for Spain.’

At the age of 25 he was still living in Brazil and by his own admission, ‘did not know much about God or the Bible’. He was invited to a church and it proved a life changing experience. But why would a footballer who has everything – fame, money, success – still need God? He replies, ‘If you are worried about anything I do not think that money is the answer. Only God can give you happiness, peace and joy. Just talking about it makes me smile. This has made me very happy and changed my life in every way. It is the best decision that anyone can make in their lives. I would sum it up like this:

The difference that Jesus makes in my life is everything. Quite simply he makes all the difference. There is nothing I can do without Jesus in my life. Jesus is everything to me.’

The Champions League has also increased Marcos’ profile. In 2006 his club Villarreal reached the semi-final losing 0-1 over the two legs to Arsenal. Last season he scored against Arsenal and Celtic. Of the Champions League, he says: ‘Any South American footballer who comes to Europe has the dream of playing in the Champions League. It was no different for me. When we qualified for the Champions League, it was as if we had won a title. At that time Villarreal was not well known in the world but in our first appearance in the Champions League we played brilliantly and reached the semi-final. That put Villarreal on the map. For me it was a very special time.’

Life has not always been straight-forward for Marcos. He has had such serious problems with both knees that he has amazed doctors that he is still able to play football at the top level. ‘It is difficult being injured because players want to play – that is what we like best. I have had four knee injuries but I think I have coped with it well. God has always been with me.

‘I don’t know another player who has had four knee injuries who has been able to carry on playing at the level I am playing. I give thanks, honour and glory to God for having strengthened me through it. I am at peace. If I am injured, it is for a reason that I am injured and I understand that I will get better in time. I understand that God has a purpose in my life and he will keep looking after me. And for that reason I am very calm.’

Winning the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 would be a nice end to his international career.

By Stuart Weir