The Spaniard's words reflected the depth of a bond built over years of shared dressing rooms and titles at Manchester City.
Spain march into the quarter-finals
On the pitch, the result itself was historic for Spain. Mikel Merino's goal proved the difference, sending De la Fuente's side into the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 2010.
Spain will now face Belgium on July 10 as they look to continue what could be a deep run in the tournament.
