NEW footage has emerged of Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible Nations League celebration.
The veteran forward was in tears as Portugal became the first country to win the Uefa competition twice.
Ronaldo, 40, scored during the 2-2 draw with Spain, but was forced off on 88 minutes with a muscular injury.
As the contest went to penalties, the former Manchester United star watched nervously from the touchline.
Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes all scored their spot kicks during the shoot-out.
Following Alvaro Morata’s miss, Ruben Neves became the hero as he converted the winning penalty.
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In footage taken from the stands, Ronaldo could be seen huddling into former Man Utd team-mate Diogo Dalot’s back.
Such was Ronaldo’s emotion, that he couldn’t bear to watch Neves’ penalty.
As the ex-Wolves midfielder scored, Dalot turned around to hug CR7.
Ronaldo quickly sank to his knees, sharing a moment with Dalot as they both pumped their fists in celebration.
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When the full-back ran off to join his other team-mates, Ronaldo stayed on his knees.
The forward then spent several seconds hunched over with his head in the turf.
When he finally got up, Ronaldo looked overcome with emotion as he turned towards the crowd.
At this point, the Al-Nassr ace began to slowly walk towards his team-mates as he took the scene in.
Fans watching at home loved the scene, with one posting on X: “Dalot looks more happy for Ronaldo than anything else. He was literally Ronaldo’s shield during the penalty kick. Lovely.”
While a second wrote: “Love Ronaldo and Dalot friendship. Even tho he’s way younger Ronaldo always looks for him.”
A third commented: “You can see how much everyone loves him.”
And another added: “Emotional man.”
‘THERE IS NOTHING BETTER’
After the game, Ronaldo told Sport TV: “I am so happy. First place for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude, for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends. Winning for Portugal is always special.
“I have many titles with my clubs, but there is nothing better than winning for Portugal. It brings tears to my eyes. It is a duty fulfilled and a lot of joy.
“It’s beautiful. It’s our nation. We are a small people, but with great ambition. It makes me happy.
“I’ve lived in many countries, I’ve played for many clubs, but when people talk about Portugal, it’s always a special feeling. Being the captain of this generation, it’s a source of pride.
“Winning a title is always the pinnacle of a national team. Winning a title is the pinnacle. The future is about thinking short-term. Now it’s time to rest well.
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“I had the injury and that was too much, too much… I pushed, because for the national team you have to push.
“I had already felt it during the warm-up, I had been feeling it for some time, but if I had to break a leg for the national team, I would have. It was a title, I had to play and I gave my all, I went as far as I could. I helped with a goal.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
