Rutherford's ambitions took a great leap forward in Gothenburg

The 19-year-old from Milton Keynes overcame a strong and more experienced field to finish in second place.

"A couple of years ago I was watching athletics on television and now I am here," he said.

"It's a great day for me. Now I want to break the world record and win the Olympic Games."

Highlights & interview: Greg Rutherford's long jump

In damp conditions, Rutherford's final jump of 8.13m left him behind Italy's Andrew Howe but ahead of team-mates Chris Tomlinson and Nathan Morgan.

"After my first attempt I felt really down. Rain and a massive headwind pushed me back and I had a problem even to hit the board," said Rutherford.

I know I can break the British record - I'm certain it will happen Greg Rutherford

"Before the last one I felt so relaxed and I knew I could jump very far - and I did."

It was a remarkable performance for last year's European junior champion and it is the first British men's long jump medal at the championships since Lyn Davies' silver in 1969.

After a frustrating Commonwealth Games - he tore a hamstring and finished eighth - and a last position in the European Cup, Rutherford feels there is more to come.

"I know I can break the British record and when I have a rest and get rid of this ankle injury, I'm certain it will happen," said Rutherford, whose personal best is just a centimetre off Tomlinson's 8.27m record.

"That's one of my ambitions and if I get the competition, I know I can prove myself on the world stage."

Sporting success is in Rutherford's blood, with great-grandfather Jock and grandfather John both former Arsenal players.

Athletics will be grateful this latest Rutherford "lost interest" in football six years ago after a spell training with Aston Villa.

"I'd turn up for matches, play and then go home again," Rutherford said. "Then I discovered athletics."

"I found out I was quite fast. I was winning races and then I moved to the long jump.

"In football, you can play the match of your life and if the rest of the team play badly, you could lose. But that is not the case in athletics, even though football is in my family."