Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Euro 2024, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards
Gary Lineker shocked a BBC pundit with a question about Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ahead of Portugal’s penalty victory over Slovenia, Lineker asked Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Portuguese Euro 2016 winner Jose Fonte for inside information on what makes Ronaldo so good.
The 39-year-old superstar went into the last-16 tie on a career-low run of seven games without an international tournament goal.
The record was extended against Slovenia when Ronaldo missed a spot-kick in extra time, with the sobbing five-time Ballon d’Or winner subsequently having to be consoled by his teammates.
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Following a gruelling goalless draw, however, Ronaldo went on to score the first of Portugal’s shoot-out penalties as Roberto Martínez’s side edged past Slovenia to set up a heavyweight quarter-final with France.
Before the encounter, Lineker looked to quiz Jose Fonte on the Al-Nassr forward’s physical and mental abilities.
Lineker first saluted the former Manchester United star as the "best No.9 ever" for movement in the box, and then asked Fonte: "Jose, obviously you know him well, what's it like up close and personal with Ronaldo?"
Fonte sent the panel into hysterics by replying: "Well that's a very unusual question!"
Lineker then clarified: "I didn't mean it to sound so personal! I meant it as a person. Doesn't he bring his own team with him?"
Former Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Ham centre-back Fonte, who still plays for Braga, said: "Yes he does. That's why he's one of the best ever.
"He's so methodical in his approach to his body. So he's always in the best condition to play a football match.
"Apart from that, he's a very relaxed guy who likes to joke, likes to train hard and likes to score goals."
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