Jonny Wilkinson - now a bona fide national hero after landing the drop goal that won the Rugby World Cup for England - arrived back in Blighty this morning to a tumultuous reception at Heathrow Airport.
Wilkinson said he was "overawed and humbled" by the way the squad was greeted upon their arrival by around 7,000 people in Terminal 4 at 4.30am.
But Wilkinson insisted he just wanted to return to his normal life out of the public gaze.
"I'm overawed by the support as we all are," said Wilkinson. "Coming into the airport was something else and seeing that support was hugely humbling and massively uplifting. The guys appreciate that more than they can put into words.
"I'm keen to get on with life now I'm back but I'm keen not to forget, not to lose memories like that.
"Above all I am desperately keen to maintain the lifestyle I have which allows me to prepare for what I love doing. I will desperately try not to let anything get in the way of that.
"The only thing which makes me enjoy it is knowing I have no regrets about the way I have performed in front of people who have paid money to watch me."
The Newcastle fly-half said the moment he kicked the drop-goal to seal England's 20-17 victory in the last minute of extra-time against hosts Australia in Saturday's final already seemed like a distant memory.
"It does all seem like a long time ago, especially with the jetlag setting in a little bit. I remember how I saw it and I remember the way the team pulled together, it was so vital to give ourselves one more chance to win the game. No-one wanted it to go to sudden death or drop goals."
"I've learned from the World Cup, which has been a hugely intense arena to be involved in, about how important it is to enjoy what you're doing, which I have learned from Martin Johnson and the rest of the guys about trusting in your ability despite the expectation and the pressure."
Wilkinson admitted he knew his life would never be the same again - there was one report today suggesting he could register his cupped-hands stance as a trademark.
He added: "I'm a bit wary of a few things but ever since I've been in this set-up I've tried to take things as they come.
"And that's the philosophy since I've become a professional rugby player. I want to continue being myself and I can't play rugby any other way than I do now.
"A lot of the guys will be in the same boat and will want to go about things in the same professional way.
"Funnily enough I'm after a bit of peace and quiet and I'm keen to get back home. I haven't seen all of my family for a long, long time now.
"I've put a huge amount of effort, as has everyone who got off that plane, into the last eight weeks - or four years probably - and I want to get back for the few days I have got to embrace it all, be with my family and get back into a situation where I feel totally comfortable and totally myself, sitting here today emphasises that."
Wilkinson and his fellow players were mobbed on their arrival at Heathrow, with thousands of fans singing 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' before flight BA 00016 - renamed 'Sweet Chariot' touched down.
Captain Martin Johnson emerged from the jumbo holding the Webb Ellis Trophy aloft.
Johnson, flanked by coach Clive Woodward and Wilkinson, was met on the tarmac by Sports Minister Richard Caborn.
