Cristiano Ronaldo has explained that his desire to make his supporters, friends and family proud was the reason he burst into tears during Portugal's dramatic Euro 2024 win against Slovenia last night. The Portugal captain was inconsolable after missing an extra-time penalty as Slovenia forced a shoot-out in Frankfurt.
It looked as though Ronaldo was overcome by emotion due to the fact it may have been his final European Championships match near the end of his illustrious career.
But the 39-year-old has cited another reason while also aiming a subtle dig at Slovenia for how they approached their last-16 clash.
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Ronaldo has recorded 20 shots at Euro 2024 so far, more than any other player, and is yet to score during an unprecedented international goal drought.
His late penalty against a familiar foe in Jan Oblak presented the perfect opportunity to break his duck and continue his scoring streak at international tournaments.
But the Slovenia goalkeeper guessed correctly, diving to his left to prompt uncontrollable emotion from Ronaldo at half-time of extra time.
"I could have given the national team the advantage, but I didn't manage it, Oblak saved. I didn't miss once during the year, [but] when I needed it most, Oblak saved," Ronaldo said after full-time.
"It's a feeling of sadness and joy at the same time, but the most important thing is the progress, the team deserved it.
"Slovenia spent almost the entire time defending, the team deserves congratulations, especially our goalkeeper who made three good saves [in the penalty shoot-out].
"Even the strongest people have their days, I was down and I was sad because the team needed me... I can't do it, I'll talk later, I'll talk later."
The Al-Nassr forward has admitted he is participating in his last European Championships in Germany, his sixth after first appearing at Euro 2004.
But he explained that the weight of making those close to him proud prompted more emotions than the reality that the curtain was coming down on his career.
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He added to O Jogo: "It is without a doubt my last European Championships. But I don't get emotional about that. I get emotional about everything that football involves.
"Because of the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm of seeing my supporters, my family, the affection that people have for me.
"It's not about leaving football because if I do, what else would I need to do or win? It won't be about getting one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most."
Ronaldo and Portugal will face Kylian Mbappe and France in the quarter-finals on Friday after Spain vs Germany on a blockbuster day of action.
