Jubilant Tommy Fleetwood shares his pride after Europe regained the Ryder Cup in dramatic fashion in Rome, as he hails the team’s ‘gigantic family’ and salutes winning captain Luke Donald

• Europe won the Ryder Cup courtesy of a thrilling 16 1/2 – 11 1/2 triumph in Rome
• Tommy Fleetwood secured the decisive point and moved Europe 15-11 ahead 
• Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here 

Tommy Fleetwood has shared his delight after helping Europe regain the Ryder Cup in dramatic fashion in Rome and labelled the team ‘one gigantic family’.

Fleetwood secured the winning point at Marco Simone after beating Rickie Fowler and had also initially guaranteed the half-point required to lead those in blue over the line, his opponent having conceded on the 16th and sparked scenes of jubilation.

The Americans found themselves staring down the barrel of a crushing defeat heading into the 12 singles matches but, despite being outplayed and outfought over the first two days, mounted a fierce resistance and delayed a procession.

However, Fleetwood made the victory mathematically certain after moving two up with two to play, signalling the beginning of wild celebrations across the course.

Tommy Fleetwood has shared his delight after helping Europe regain the Ryder Cup

Fleetwood mathematically guaranteed victory after earning the half-point required in Rome

‘I didn’t want it to come down to one of us at the back,’ he said.

‘I can’t wait to see the rest of the guys, the captain, the vice captains, our wives, our families and the staff.

‘I’m so happy to play a part in it. It’s been a bit bigger than I thought it would be when I saw the draw.

‘I’m so proud. We have an amazing group of people, we always do. 

‘This year has been very different and the landscape has changed for Team Europe but I couldn’t wish for a better bunch of people to do with this.

‘We are one gigantic family and the bonds you make last a lifetime. This is so cool.’

Victorious captain Luke Donald has been widely praised for leading his players to glory

After the win, Fleetwood laid bare his rollercoaster of emotions and saluted his team-mates

Opening up on his rollercoaster of emotions, Fleetwood added: ‘Relief, pride, joy. I’m proud I’m just one of the people who gets to play a part. I love everybody involved.’

Captain Luke Donald has been praised by his team after steering them to glory, with Fleetwood labelling him ‘amazing’ and admitting his pride at getting the job done.

‘We’re all so proud of him,’ Fleetwood said. ‘From the process starting, he has been so, so good. We look at Luke on another level.

‘I’m so happy we could get it done for him.’

Europe’s dominance across the scoreboards ensured they earned redemption for their resounding record-breaking loss at Whistling Straits.

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