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  Cristiano Ronaldo’s night of tears, fears, cheers

Cristiano Ronaldo’s night of tears, fears, cheers

AFP
Published : Jul 11, 2016, 11:35 pm IST
Updated : Jul 11, 2016, 11:35 pm IST

Cristiano Ronaldo cried twice in the Euro final on Sunday, once when he was stretchered off injured and again when he limped back on in joy after his team mates claimed a historic win over France.

Cristiano Ronaldo cried twice in the Euro final on Sunday, once when he was stretchered off injured and again when he limped back on in joy after his team mates claimed a historic win over France.

When he succumbed to a knee injury midway through the first half, it looked set to be a miserable night for the three-time World Player of the Year. But substitute Eder’s extra-time goal saw Portugal triumph 1-0.

“Today I felt sadness and happiness. What I can say is that it was one of the happiest moments of my life. I cried,” said Ronaldo.

In Ronaldo’s absence it was Eder who emerged as the unlikely hero and the superstar insisted he had a feeling that would happen. “I felt it would be him who would resolve the game in extra-time. I am not a wizard or a visionary but I always follow my feelings,” Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo emerged after the end of 90 minutes to encourage his exhausted colleagues during extra time.

As the clock ticked down, his face was a picture of emotion, pushing a substitute onto the pitch before erupting in joy at the final whistle.

His tightly strapped leg did not stop him hobbling up the steps at the Stade de France to lift the trophy and he was bursting with pride as he showed off the prize. It was his last act of a tournament in which he has played the captain’s role superbly.

Ronaldo finally has a major title to add to his plethora of club and individual prizes.

Location: France, Île-de-France, Paris