Cristiano Ronaldo's Emotional Speech Minutes After Portugal Won Euro 2016 Is Legendary

Cristiano Ronaldo poured his heart out in an incredibly emotional dressing room speech after Portugal lifted the 2016 European Championship.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was forced off with a knee injury in the final against France following a robust challenge from Dimitri Payet.

It was a devastating moment for the former Manchester United man but rather than dwell on the disappointment, Ronaldo put his influence and experience to good use.

Alongside veteran manager Fernando Santos, an animated Ronaldo prowled the touchline, barking out orders to his teammates as they attempted to defy the odds.

Even without their talisman, who had scored three goals on route to the final, underdogs Portugal went on to make history and lift their first major tournament title thanks to an extra-time winner from former Swansea striker Eder.

In the aftermath of Portugal's win, Ronaldo gathered his teammates together in the dressing room.

Firstly, he paid tribute to his manager, Fernando Santos, before emotionally speaking about how the Euro triumph surpassed his individual achievements.

"I would like to thank this man right here (Fernando Santos), first of all without him none of this would be possible," Ronaldo says. "Second, to all the players, all the staff, everyone involved in this conquest.

"No one believed in Portugal, but the truth is we made it. All of us, we did it. I am very happy, this is one of the happiest days of my life."

He continued, saying: "Forget the individual trophies, Champions League - this is one of the happiest moments of my life. I have cried three of four times already and my brother had to tell me to calm down.

"And I said: 'Hugo, I can't'. It's true, from the bottom of my heart, I swear on my son's life, I am so very, very, very happy. I could repeat this 100 times. I am so happy.

"This is the trophy that was missing. Thanks to all of you players, all the staff and you again coach. All the faith you had, honestly, it touched me.

"From the bottom of my heart I am truly happy. We deserved this. We are now in the history of Portugal. We are the first team to achieve this."

Can Portugal overcome the odds and win another European Championship in the coming weeks?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Euro 2016, Football, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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