DT
PT
Subscribe To Print Edition About The Tribune Code Of Ethics Download App Advertise with us Classifieds
search-icon-img
search-icon-img
Advertisement

Tears of joy for Ronaldo as Portugal win Nations League title

“I have lived in many countries, I have played for many clubs, but when it's about Portugal, it is always a special feeling,” he said
  • fb
  • twitter
  • whatsapp
  • whatsapp
featured-img featured-img
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo holds the trophy after winning the Nations League soccer championship at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Sunday. AP/PTI
Advertisement

Another trophy for Cristiano Ronaldo. More records, more adulation.

Advertisement

The Portugal star shed tears after helping his team win the Nations League on Sunday.

Ronaldo scored to help Portugal draw level with Spain 2-2 in the final, then watched as his teammates won the penalty shootout 5-3.

Advertisement

"I have many titles with my clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal," Ronaldo said.

40-year-old Ronaldo had been the first to run out onto the field for the pre-game warmup, sparking a huge roar from the Portugal supporters, including many wearing jerseys emblazoned with his name.

Advertisement

His appearance prompted many supporters to pull out their cell phones to record the superstar while they could still see him in action. Ronaldo conceded on Saturday that he won't be able to play forever.

That was three days after he helped Portugal to its first win over Germany for 25 years, scoring the winner for a 2-1 victory in the Nations League semifinals.

On Sunday he was driving the team again, though it was initially a frustrating game as his chances were limited by Spain's hard-working defenders.

Nuno Mendes fired Portugal level after Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring for Spain. Then Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain ahead 2-1 at the break. But Ronaldo was in the right place at the right time to fire home the equaliser from Mendes' deflected cross in the 61st, setting off joyous scenes among his faithful fans. It was Ronaldo's 138th goal for Portugal. Nobody has ever scored more for their country.

Ronaldo kept trying in what was his record-extending 221st appearance for the country, but eventually had to go off exhausted in the 88th to standing ovations from fans and a hug from coach Roberto Martínez.

Ronaldo said he was carrying an injury into the game.

"I had already felt it during the warmup, I had been feeling it for some time, but for the national team, if I had to break my leg, I would have broken it," Ronaldo said. "It's for a trophy, I had to play and I gave it my all."

Ronaldo's future is uncertain as his contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr only runs to the end of June. He posted “this chapter is over” on social media after the club's last Saudi Pro League game of the season.

On Saturday he said he had all, but decided not to go to the Club World Cup despite “quite a few” offers from participating clubs to play there.

Whatever club Ronaldo plays for, he will keep striving for Portugal.

“I have lived in many countries, I have played for many clubs, but when it's about Portugal, it is always a special feeling,” he said.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
tlbr_img1 Classifieds tlbr_img2 Videos tlbr_img3 Premium tlbr_img4 E-Paper tlbr_img5 Shorts