Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed how he was never fit for Portugal’s Nations League final, but the all-time great was willing to play with a broken leg.

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• Portuguese GOAT nursing knock before final
• Lasted 88 minutes & scored important goal
• International success means everything to him

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  At 40 years of age, the evergreen frontman captained his country – on the occasion of his 221st cap – as they faced Spain in Munich with major silverware up for grabs. He was on target in the contest, taking his record-shattering international goal tally to 138.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ronaldo had to be replaced in the 88th minute, however, ruling him out of extra-time and a nerve-shredding penalty shootout, but got his hands on the ultimate prize as Portugal prevailed 5-3 on spot-kicks.

• WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

  CR7, who broke down in tears after Ruben Neves sealed Portugal’s epic victory, claimed afterwards to have been nursing a knock before a ball was kicked. He said: "I had already felt it during the warm-up, I had been feeling it for some time. But for the national team, if I had to break a leg, I would. It’s a title, I had to play and I gave my all, I went as far as I could. I helped with a goal."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Ronaldo is one of the most decorated players in history, but said of adding a second Nations League crown to his collection of honours: "I’m so happy. Winning for Portugal is very special. I have many titles, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal.

  "The tears and the sense of duty fulfilled. It’s beautiful. It’s our nation. We are a small nation of people, but with great ambition. I’ve lived in many countries, I’ve played for many clubs, but when they talk about Portugal it’s a special feeling. Being the captain of this generation, it’s a source of pride.

  "Winning a title is always the highlight of a national team. The future is about thinking in the short term. I had an injury and that was too much, too much… I pushed, because for the national team you have to push."

Tags: Futebol
Category: News