Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he was at rock bottom when his team needed him the most.
Ronaldo spoke following his side’s Euro 2024 Round of 16 win over Slovenia on Monday.
His penalty was saved in extra time while the match was still goalless.However, just 15 minutes later, the Al-Nassr forward returned to the spot and successfully fired in the first of Portugal’s shootout kicks.
However, just 15 minutes later, the Al-Nassr forward returned to the spot and successfully fired in the first of Portugal’s shootout kicks.
Goalkeeper Diogo Costa then made Euros history with three penalty shootout saves, sending Portugal to the quarterfinals.
Speaking after the game, Ronaldo said: “Even the strongest people have their [bad] days. I was at rock bottom when the team needed me the most.
“Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That is what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments. I feel sad and happy at the same time.
“But the important thing is to enjoy it. The team did an extraordinary job. We fought right to the end and I think we deserved it because we had more authority.”