Roger Federer became the first man to win Wimbledon eight times with a cruising win over Marin Cilic this afternoon.The Swiss claimed his 19th Grand Slam title with a 6-3 6-1 6-4 victory over the Croatian.The tributes have poured in for a player who many thought had said farewell to his best days.Cilic broke down in tears in the second set, blisters on his left foot causing him problems.And Federer wished Cilic all the best after his win.“It is cruel sometimes but he fought well and he is a hero,” Federer said, per the Mail.“Congratulations on a wonderful tournament, Marin, you should be really proud as it is a special occasion to play in the final. Be proud of yourself and I hope down the road we can play some better ones.”

Federer: 'I have to take more time off!'

Federer skipped the French Open in order to prepare for Wimbledon and he joked that he might have to pass on some more events in the future.

The 35-year-old added: “I have to take more time off, I don't know what is going on! Better than holding the trophy and winning today is being healthy.

“It feels great. The tournament I played, not dropping a set, is just magical. I can't believe it yet, it's too much really.”

Gerard Pique reacted on Twitter

It’s certainly hard to think of anyone other than Federer as the GOAT. Indeed, Gerard Pique considers him to be the best tennis player he’s ever seen.

The Barcelona defender tweeted his list of sporting heroes after Federer’s record victory.

“Leo Messi, Michael Jordan, Roger Federer. The best I’ve seen,” the Spaniard wrote.

Pique’s tweet has already been retweeted more than 20,000 times. Clearly, many people agree with him.

Federer always believed he'd be back

Federer admitted after his win over Cilic that he never stopped believing he could win Wimbledon, five years after his last title.

“I've had some tough ones here but I always believed I could come back here again,” he added.

“If you believe, you can go really far in your life. I kept on believing and dreaming.

“It is such a special court, so many legends have marked this court in the men's and women's game. It is very special and from day one, to finals day, Centre Court is always packed and we appreciate that.

“I hope it isn't my final match and hopefully I can come back next year and defend the title.”

Is Roger Federer the GOAT? Let us know in the comments section below!