Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese legend, claimed Portugal’s triumph over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday earned him more respect back home.
In a playful post-match interview, Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, said that his Spanish-born children taunted him at home, rooting for Spain only to get under his skin.
“My children are Spanish, and they joke with me at home and say, ‘The trophy is for Spain,'” Ronaldo admitted with a grin. “Now they saw their dad win against Spain, so they will show more respect.”
But the night wasn’t all laughs for the football legend. Ronaldo was visibly emotional following the final whistle, sobbing tears of delight as Portugal celebrated their penalty shootout victory.
“What a joy,” he told Sport TV. “First and foremost, for our generation, which merited such a distinction, as well as our families. My children arrived, as did my wife, brother, and friends. Winning for Portugal is always memorable.”
Despite decades of club success, Ronaldo highlighted that national glory feels different.
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“I’ve won a lot of trophies with clubs, but nothing beats representing Portugal. It’s tears. He stated, “It’s duty done and a lot of joy.” “Talking about Portugal usually gives you a particular sense. “Being captain of this generation makes me proud.”
In a revealing revelation, Ronaldo also revealed that he played the final with an injury, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the national team.
“I had already felt it [injury] in the warm-up; it had been coming for some time,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted.
“But, for the national team, if I had to break a leg, I would quit. It was a title I had to play, and I did my best; I went as far as possible. I helped achieve an objective.”
