'The moments you dream of' - Shane Watson on Champions Trophy knockouts

Champions Trophy winner Shane Watson concedes that the tournament continues to create special memories – and that even special ones await with the semi-finals and the final set to be played this week.

Watson was part of the Australia squad that won the competition in 2006 and 2009 – and he describes that first victory as the biggest moment of his career.

“I was always a confident person, all athletes are, but it was in 2006 that I really knew I had the skill to perform for my country and help them win – and that is a different confidence, it’s a different feeling,” he said ahead of the semi-finals.

“When I started, I was just trying to contribute here and there because the team was so strong. We had Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Ricky Ponting, Brett Lee, the list just goes on.

"Most of those guys were still there in 2006 and delivering in that team, opening the batting with Adam Gilchrist and scoring an unbeaten 57 in the final, just proved to me I belonged.”

WATCH: Watson guides Australia to glory | Sobha Realty Greatest Moments | Champions Trophy 2009

“The moments you dream of”

In 2009’s semi-final, Watson scored what he calls his favourite innings – 136 not out to eliminate old rivals England.

“In the final, we played New Zealand and I had this magical moment, where I hit a six to complete my century and also win the tournament. They are the moments you dream of.

“I have a couple of really nice trophies from those days. But my personal favourite is the watch I got for being man-of-the-match in the final, it is one of the most special things I have in my house.

“It brings back so many special memories.”

And he knows that the current crop of players will feel similarly about the latest edition of the tournament.

“The last two weeks have reminded us how special this tournament is and I hope that, in the years to come, those who have featured in it look back on it as fondly as I do now.”