Cristiano Ronaldo: “Winning with Portugal is special” | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo has never been one to hide his emotions. From the tears of despair at Euro 2004, to the tears of joy at Euro 2016, and plenty in between and afterwards, the Portugal captain has always worn his heart on his sleeve.

There were more tears – the happy kind – in Munich on Sunday evening as Ronaldo was once again overcome with emotion after Portugal’s victory over Spain in the Nations League final.

He had talked pre-match about how he missed the feeling of lifting a trophy and talking to reporters at the Allianz Arena he let it be known that winning for his country is extra special.

“So much joy! Winning for Portugal is very special. I’ve won lots of silverware, but nothing beats winning for Portugal. We’re a small country, but a country with huge ambition.

“I’ve lived in lots of countries, I’ve played for many clubs, but when it’s Portugal it’s a special feeling.

“Being the captain of this generation makes me proud. This generation deserved this trophy.”

Ronaldo also had words of praise for coach Roberto Martínez and hit out at the many critics who had been suggesting the manager’s position was at risk.

“I’m very proud of our coach too. The way he’s been treated is unfair. They kept laying into him. He puts so much passion into the training sessions and the games, and the rest of the coaching staff too. He deserves this. You should respect him more.

“After winning a competition like this, we have to be given our dues, both us the players and the coaching team.”