A low-scoring encounter saw the Patriots win the Super Bowl for the sixth time, with owner Kraft rewarding his players by opening a 50-year-old box of cigars in the changing rooms after their victory at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta

Kraft, 77, said: “I always like to dream big. It took us 42 years to win that first one but to win six in 18 years is really remarkable.

“Each one has been very special. The support from the fans has been off the charts.

“We had more ups and downs with this championship than in any of the others, losing two games in December. Our defence was amazing tonight."