Cristiano Ronaldo inspired his team as Portugal stunned home nation France with a 1-0 victory in extra time at the Stade de France, despite his unfortunate injury after just 25 minutes. Ronaldo, who was pictured hugging his former mentor Sir Alex Ferguson after the game, was carried off on a stretcher after never recovering from an early clash with Dmitri Payet which twisted his knee – and Portugal’s hope appeared to go with him.
Cristiano Ronaldo urged his team on from the bench and also delivered a passionate extra-time team talk, meant that they stayed in the game, with Eder coming off the bench to score with just 11 minutes of extra time remaining.
Ronaldo resumed his captaincy duties to limp up the to the victory podium and receive the Henri Delaunay trophy. An emotional Ronaldo said:
‘I’m very happy. I’ve been waiting for a long time, since 2004, and asking God for another chance. ‘Today was unfortunate with my injury but I always believed that these players would be strong enough with the manager’s tactics. It’s one of the happiest moments of my life.
‘I always wanted to win something with Portugal and I’ve managed to do so. Thanks to all Portugal and all Portuguese emigrants. This is amazing, unique moment and unforgettable.’
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