"What a magnificent event! Great Ryder Cup!"

Ballesteros, 53, who is recovering from a brain tumour and was unable to attend the Celtic Manor event, played in eight Ryder Cups before masterminding Europe's victory over America as captain at Valderrama in 1997.

He said it was never going to be easy to beat the Americans this year, and he was very happy for captain Colin Montgomerie.

"Congratulations to all of you!" he said. "It has been very exciting until the last minute.

"I have enjoyed watching great golf from both sides over the weekend. As I said on Thursday, the more difficult it is to win, the sweeter victory tastes.

"I'm sure all the players and European supporters are enjoying it. Well done Europe!"

Before this year's Ryder Cup began, the Europe team received an inspiring phone call from the Spaniard.

Montgomerie said the call was "motivational" and "passionate".