UEFA Nations League

CRISTIANO RONALDO has opened up on his future after Portugal’s Nations League triumph. The 40-year-old won his third national trophy following Sunday’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal win the Nations League on Sunday nightCredit: GettyThe 40-year-old was on target in a dramatic 2-2 drawCredit: GettyRonaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr ends on June 30 – and he is yet to pen a new dealCredit: GettyRonaldo levelled the scores at 2-2 in the second half at the Allianz Arena in Munich.The former Manchester United star was spotted in tears after Portugal went five for five in the shootout, retaining the trophy. An emotional Ronaldo said: “The tears were of joy. “When you win something for Portugal, it’s always special, but there’s nothing like winning for the national team, in my opinion.READ MORE ON RONALDO”This generation deserved it and we were going to have a bit of luck and merit and we were going to win the final. “We knew it was going to be difficult but we deserved it and this gives us confidence and allows us to go to the World Cup with more confidence.”Ronaldo’s contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr expires at the end of this month. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner appeared to suggest his time with the club was at an end with a cryptic social media post.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe wrote a fortnight ago: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”But now Ronaldo appears to have had a change of heart. Netflix series I Am Georgina sees Ronaldo’s partner balancing motherhood and work When asked about his future on Sunday, he replied: “It won’t change anything. Al-Nassr, yes.”You know how old I am already, I’m closer to the end than I was at the beginning,”But I have to enjoy every moment. If I don’t get seriously injured, I’ll keep going.”Ronaldo joined the Saudi side in 2023 and has been the Pro League’s top scorer for the past two seasons.Fifa president Gianni Infantino had suggested Ronaldo could play in the upcoming Club World Cup.Ronaldo admitted he had received “many invites and proposals” for a quickfire transfer ahead of this month’s tournament in the US.He confirmed on Friday that he will not be appearing in the revamped competition.Ronaldo said: “It’s almost decided that I will not take part at the FIFA Club World Cup despite receiving many invitations and proposals.”There have been talks, contacts – but you have to think about short, medium and long term.”Al-Nassr sporting director Fernando Hierro indicated last month the club still believe Ronaldo will pen a new deal.He said: “I have to be positive. I don’t think Ronaldo will leave Al-Nassr.”In any case, we are working hard on all aspects.Read More on The Sun”Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr runs until the end of June 30.”We will work to renew his contract so he can continue with us, and there are many clubs interested in signing him.” More

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.Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t watch as Ruben Neves took the final spot kickCredit: https://x.com/PlettigoalRonaldo, 40, celebrated with Man Utd star Diogo DalotCredit: https://x.com/PlettigoalThe veteran forward sank to his knees in the celebrationsCredit: https://x.com/PlettigoalRonaldo eventually got up and shared a hug with a member of staffCredit: https://x.com/PlettigoalRonaldo, 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.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIn 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.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFans loved seeing Ronaldo and Diogo Dalot’s friendshipCredit: APRonaldo was in tears upon the end of the matchCredit: GettyWhen 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.Cristiano Ronaldo’s bodyguard Hichman Bukhari talks about the risks of protecting the football superstar 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.Read More on The Sun”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.”Ronaldo lifts the Nations League trophyCredit: Getty More

PORTUGAL tasted Nations League glory for a second time with Cristiano Ronaldo playing a starring role – and Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata the villain.After winning the inaugural 2019 edition, Roberto Martinez’s men are champions once more in a thrilling finale in Munich, fighting back twice to draw level against reigning European champions Spain.Portugal beat Spain 5-3 on penalties in the Nations League finalCristiano Ronaldo lifted the Nations League trophy for the second timeThe 40-year-old broke down in tears after Ruben Neves scored the last spot-kickDiogo Costa saved Alvaro Morata’s penaltyRonaldo netted an ingenious equalising 61st minute volley to make it 2-2 for his 938th career goal and 138th for his country – but the 40-year-old watched the penalties from the bench, along with 17-year-old teenage superstar Lamine Yamal.And Spain’s Morata missed his spot-kick for Ruben Neves to slot home the winner.Both nations were vying to become the first to lift the Nations League twice.A slow start was thrust into life by a Nico Williams whipped curler that just cleared the bar after 17 minutes – and four minutes later the Spaniards were ahead.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSYamal at the heart of it, his delicious cross was made a mess of by a scrambling Portugal defence, allowing soon-to-be Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi to score just his second international goal.Spain were 4-0 up after 55 minutes in their 5-4 semi thriller against France last week, but Ronaldo was not about to let that happen again as he burst in behind to spark an attack.It ended with Mendes firing low into the bottom corner in the 26th minute, but not before a VAR check that judged Ronaldo to have timed his run to perfection.The final say of the first half was Spain’s.Most read in FootballArsenal target Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring in the 21st minuteNuno Mendes levelled the scores within five minutesMikel Oyarzabal made it 2-1 on the stroke of half-timeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPedri with a superb reverse pass to tee up Mikel Oyarzabal in injury time – the man who broke English hearts in the Euros final in Berlin last summer producing another big goal in Munich.Martinez responded by bringing on Neves and Nelson Semedo at the break, and it almost had an instant impact as Bruno Fernandes had a 49th minute strike ruled out for offside.Cristiano Ronaldo’s bodyguard Hichman Bukhari talks about the risks of protecting the football superstar An equaliser was coming and Ronaldo reacted first to a deflected looped cross that bamboozled Marc Cucurella for his eighth Nations League goal of the campaign.He hobbled off with a muscular injury in the 88th minute, while Yamal was subbed in the 106th minute, as the game became niggly with a VAR red-check following a mass melee.Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes all slotted home their penalties before Neves became the hero.Ronaldo equalised in the 61st minute with his 138rd international goalThe 40-year-old limped off injured in the 87th minuteThe footie legend touched his badge during the celebrationsBallon d’Or contender Lamine Yamal endured a quiet night More

NONI MADUEKE was determined to get England over the line during their laboured 1-0 win against Andorra in the World Cup qualifiers.Harry Kane notched his 72nd goal for his country and Thomas Tuchel went rogue by starting Curtis Jones in right-back to make room for 34-year-old Jordan Henderson in the middle.England star Jude Bellingham laboured to a 1-0 draw against AndorraCredit: GettyAn uneventful first half saw the Three Lions BOOED off in the near empty RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.Kane, who poked wide in the first 30 minutes, finally found a breakthrough when he smashed in Chelsea winger Madueke’s quick low cross five minutes after the break.But there’s reasons for concerns as holiday-mode England struggled to break down the home side’s bus-parking tactics – weeks after Albania put three goals away against Andorra.Tuchel did become the first England manager to win his first three games in charge, without conceding a single goal as his side remains top of Group K.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHere SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rates and slates the England players from sunny Spain.Jordan Pickford – 5As expected, a bystander in goal and Tuchel should have given James Trafford a debut.May get a rest for the friendly against Senegal.Ezri Konsa – 5 Aston Villa star looks to be England’s first-choice central defender and he will not get an easier game than this.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAndorra were well organised but offered very little in attack.Andorra v England match played in near empty stadiumDan Burn – 4It is now obvious that Tuchel loves the Newcastle defender and he has got a very good chance of going to the World Cup, but some of his passing was dreadful. The likes of Harry Maguire and Eric Dier must be peed off. Reece James – 4 Just 24 hours after James said his best position was right-back, Thomas Tuchel played him at left-back. He did not look that comfortable. He also produced a terrible delivery at a free-kick near the end.Curtis Jones – 6Played as an inverted right-back so had plenty of licence to get forward. Played a part in the opening goal with a clever pass to Kane.Jude Bellingham – 5Had the first shot of the game after 56 seconds but did not cause too many problems in his offensive midfield role. Was beaten by Espanyol at this stadium during the club season so will at least be please to pick up a win.Jordan Henderson – 5Cap no 84 for the Ajax midfielder although this was his first start since November 2023.You can see why Tuchel wants a player of his experience but he did not have much influence here.Morgan Rogers – 5Delivered some silky skills which caused Andorra a few problems but lacked an end product.Aston Villa star will need to do more if he wants to hold down a permanent place.Cole Palmer – 6Has been on fire in training during the week in Girona but did not really get involved.However, the Chelsea talisman did see plenty of the ball.Noni Madueke – 7England’s best player although should have scored in injury-time. Was particularly bright in the first half and played a part in the opening goal.Read More on The SunMadueke was England’s best playerCredit: AFPHarry Kane – 6Missed a couple of chances but finally got his goal shortly into the second. It was his 450th career goal, though the fact it was a decisive one shows how poor England were in the final third.SUBSTrent Alexander-Arnold (for Henderson, 64) – 5Eberechi Eze (for Palmer, 65)- 5Declan Rice (for Jones, 80) – 5Anthony Gordon(for Rogers, 80) – 5Morgan Gibbs-White (for Bellingham, 90+1) – 5Subs not used: D Henderson, Trafford, Walker, Colwill, Toney, Lewis-Skelly, Chalobah. More