Cristiano Ronaldo makes honest confession about playing for Portugal as he explains why he was crying after Nations League final
An emotional Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on his tearful reaction to winning another trophy on the International stage, after Portugal became the first team in history to win the Nations League twice.
The 40-year-old, who was making his 221st appearance for Portugal on Sunday night, scored the 138th goal of his international career before his country beat neighbours Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout.
After scoring the winning goal against Germany in last week's semi-final, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward equalised to make it 2-2 as Roberto Martinez's side battled back twice.
He was eventually replaced by Goncalo Ramos with two minutes remaining of normal time after picking up a muscle injury.
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"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 in his post-match interview. "It’s for a trophy, I had to play and I gave it my all."
Ronaldo also shed tears of joy after the full-time whistle on Sunday and in his interview, the Al Nassr forward suggested that those emotions stemmed from his pride at representing Portugal.
"What a joy," he told Sport TV. "First of all for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude, for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends.
"Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It's tears. It's duty done and a lot of joy.
"When you talk about Portugal it is always a special feeling. Being captain of this generation is a source of pride. Winning a title is always the pinnacle in a national team."
He added: "[This win over Spain] gives us confidence to go to the World Cup and see that it's possible to beat any team in the world."
At club level, Ronaldo's immediate future remains up in the air after he appeared to indicate that he would leave Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr this summer.
Taking to social media after playing in his final game of the season for Stefano Pioli's side, he wrote: "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all."
Ronaldo's contract with the Riyadh-based club will expire at the end of June, although Al Nassr are willing to offer the five-time Ballon d'Or winner a two-year contract extension, according to widespread reports.
That being said, a contract has not been signed ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup in America; a tournament the Saudi club failed to qualify for.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Spain, UEFA Nations League
Jack Kenmare