EURO 2024: “THE TEAM NEEDED IT”, CRISTIANO RONALDO EXPLAINS HIS TEARS AFTER HIS MISSED PENALTY

Cristiano Ronaldo burst into tears after missing a penalty during extra time in the Euro 2020 round of 16 match that Portugal eventually won against Slovenia (0-0, 3-0 on penalties) on Monday. He spoke about the emotional outburst.

Cristiano Ronaldo (39 years old) still had tears in his eyes when he appeared before the press on Monday after Portugal qualified for the quarter-finals of the Euro at the expense of Slovenia (0-0, 3 pens 0). An outcome in the form of immense relief for the Portuguese captain after his missed penalty at the end of the first period of extra time (105th). While the Seleçao were struggling on the Slovenian goalkeeper, “CR7” had seen his attempt pushed back by Jan Oblak, plunging him into deep emotional distress. In tears, he was comforted by his teammates at half-time of extra time.

“I can’t, I’ll talk about it later, I’ll talk about it later”

The Portuguese captain recovered by converting his penalty but the emotion was still palpable after the final whistle. “The initial sadness and the final joy, that’s what football gives, inexplicable moments, that’s what happens,” he told Sport TV after the match. “I could have given the Seleção an advantage, I couldn’t. During the year I didn’t miss a single time and, when I needed it most, Oblak saved. It’s a feeling of sadness and joy at the same time, but the most important thing is the qualification, the team deserved it. Slovenia spent almost all their time defending, congratulations to the team, especially to our goalkeeper who made three good saves.”

Questioned later in the mixed zone, the Portuguese captain explained his tears on the pitch… before stopping on this subject, still on edge. “Even the strongest people have their days, I was depressed and I was sad because the team needed it… I can’t, I’ll talk about it later, I’ll talk about it later.”

In an interview with RTP, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner looked ahead to the quarter-final against France on Friday (9 p.m.). “We’re going to have a tough match against France and we’re going to go to war,” he promised. “It was an extra boost of energy and I’ll always do my best with this jersey. I’m going to do that all my life. I’ve never been afraid to face things head on and giving up is something you’ll never hear associated with my name.” Finally, the record holder for goals in the national team (130 in 211 caps) swept aside doubts about his future: “This is without a doubt my last Euro”.

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