Cristiano Ronaldo’s night of highs and lows ended with an emotional embrace with his mentor Sir Alex Ferguson as the 31-year-old celebrated Euro 2016 glory with Portugal.
Ronaldo went through the despair of being forced out of the final with France due to an early injury to the joy of encouraging his team on from the sidelines as the Selecao celebrated their first ever major title at the Stade de France.
For Portugal’s captain, the 1-0 extra time victory was yet another title success, made all the more sweet by his post match celebration with Ferguson – his former Manchester United manager and a man who he credits with guiding him on the path to stardom.
After lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy at the Stade de France, Ronaldo’s joy was plain to see as a first title with his country was soon followed by a quick word with Ferguson.
The legendary former Old Trafford boss was waiting by the stairs as Portugal’s players descended from their trophy presentation, grabbing Ronaldo to pass on his congratulations.
Another Portugal and former United player, Nani, was also pleased to see Ferguson, shouting: ‘Boss!’ at the surprise of bumping into his former manager.
On claiming the European title with his country, an emotional Ronaldo said: ‘I’m very happy. I’ve been waiting for a long time, since 2004. I asked God for another chance.’
Ronaldo added: ‘Today was unfortunate with my injury but I always believed that these players would be strong enough with the manager’s tactics. It’s one of the happiest moments of my life.’
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