Olympic gold medallist Justin Rose has given an inspiring statement on what his Rio triumph means to his career.

The 2013 US Open champion claims his Gold medal “sits alongside” his maiden Major victory at Merion, and that “because there’s no money, there’s not much else to play for, other than right up here on the podium.”

Read the Englishman’s heartfelt statement below:

“This is a dream come true. I made it a big deal in my schedule and made it a big deal all year.

I made it a highlight. I got down here Friday before the tournament. That’s typically how I try to prepare for Major Championships. I’ve been thinking about Rio for a long, long time. I made it a big deal in my year and I had the benefit of walking in the opening ceremony and watching other sports, which was all part of the plan.

“Once I got here and experienced the whole vibe I’ve just been really excited and to come out with a medal is great. To come out with a gold is unbelievable. It sits alongside the US Open trophy for me. I felt very inspired this week. Felt very focussed. It’s definitely been something I’ve been looking forward to for a long, long time, and I guess I felt very motivated this week all week.

“I said earlier this year that if my resumé one day read “multiple Major Champion and Olympic gold medallist”, I would be a very, very happy man. Just going to tag on another Major now. I noticed so many positive comments from guys who weren’t in contention for medals.

“This is where all the players wanted to be because there’s no money, there’s not much else to play for, other than right up here on the podium. And yet somehow the guys really enjoyed the whole Olympic experience, and I think that says it all.”