New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo revealed he played with an injury in the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain on Monday. Ronaldo scored the equaliser for Portugal in the second half to help them take the game into extra-time before eventually winning 5-3 on penalties to clinch the title. The 40-year-old striker was substituted in the 88th minute after getting on the scoresheet for Portugal.
Ronaldo scored for Portugal in the 61st minute to make it 2-2 for them after Mikel Oyarzabal scored at the brink of half-time to give Spain a 2-1 lead in the final. Ronaldo’s equaliser pushed the game into extra time as the score line remained 2-2 at the end of regulation time in the summit clash. Portugal came out on top in penalties to win the trophy.
Speaking after the final, Ronaldo, who was substituted due to an injury during the game, revealed he felt discomfort and pain during warmup ahead of the final but decided to play with the injury. The legendary striker said he was ready to get his leg broken for the national team and wanted to give his all to win the trophy for Portugal.
“I had already felt it during the warmup, 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. It’s for a trophy, I had to play and I gave it my all,” Ronaldo told reporters after the final.
Ronaldo gets emotional after Nations League triumph
Ronaldo was seen getting emotional and breaking down on the pitch after Portugal scored the last penalty to win the final against Spain. The 40-year-old, who continues to go strong despite his age, said he has won multiple titles with several clubs, but nothing comes close to winning a trophy with the Portugal national team.
“I have many titles with my clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal,” Ronaldo said. “These are tears. It’s mission accomplished and so much joy,” said Ronaldo.
Ronaldo also confirmed he is likely to stay at the Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr as he responded with a “yes” when asked if he will be staying. Ronaldo’s future is subject to intense speculation ever since he hinted about embarking on a ‘new chapter’ in his career in a social media post. He has been linked with a move to multiple clubs, but is likely to extend his contract at Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo insisted he was ready to even get his leg broken as he opened up on playing with an injury in the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain on Monday. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
