Soccer
Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on Portugal penalty tears as he makes admission on his future
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on his emotional response to his missed extra-time penalty against Slovenia in Monday night’s last-16 clash.
The 39-year-old had the perfect chance to settle a tense match in the 105th minute, only for Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak to pull off a fantastic save from the Al Nassr man’s spot-kick.
Ronaldo had been through the full gamut of emotions in Frankfurt and was visibly upset when his penalty was saved, with his teammates consoling the tearful forward during the half-time break in extra time.
With the score still locked at 0-0 at the end of 120 minutes, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United man was the first Portuguese player to take a penalty in the resulting shootout, this time scoring, while three saves from Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa seal their progression to the quarter-finals where they will face France on Friday.
“I get emotional because these are unique moments, which I can’t express in words,” Ronaldo told O Jogo following the victory. “Even the strongest people have their [bad] days.
“I missed the penalty but I wanted to be the first to score, because you have to take responsibility,” he continued. “I’ve never been afraid to face the usual things.”
“We have a tough game now against France, who are one of the favourites to win. But we’re going to war, the team is doing well and I’ll always give my best in this shirt.
“Those who fail are those who try too. The fans are always with us and especially with me, I’m very happy about that.”
Ronaldo also admitted that this would be his final Euros tilt with Portugal, but that was not the reason for his on-pitch tears on Monday evening.
“It is without a doubt my last European Championship,” added Ronaldo, who will be 43 when Euro 2028 comes about.
“But I don’t get emotional about that, I get emotional about everything that football involves. Because of the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm of seeing my supporters, my family, the affection that people have for me.
“It’s not about leaving football, because if I do, what else would I need to do or win? It won’t be about getting one more point or one less point.”
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