"They'll respect their dad more" - Cristiano Ronaldo explains why his kids supported Spain in UEFA Nations League final
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that his children were supporting Spain during the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday (June 8). The 40-year-old explained that his kids' allegiance lies with his opponents because they are Spanish.
Cristiano Ronaldo lifted his third major international trophy with Portugal, as Roberto Martinez's men defeated Spain on penalties in the UEFA Nations League final. Speaking after the game, Ronaldo explained why his kids decided to support Spain instead of his country. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner said in an interview (via O Jogo):
"My children are Spanish and at home, they sing for Spain to make me angry. Seeing their father beat Spain, I'll feel more confident, they'll respect their father more."
The Spaniards took the lead in the 21st minute via Martin Zubimendi's strike before Nuno Mendes equalized for Portugal five minutes later. However, Luis de la Fuente's men regained the lead just before the break, courtesy of Mike Oyarzabal's 45th-minute strike.
Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net in the 61st minute, and the scoreline remained 2-2 until the end of the regulation time. Despite chances on both ends, neither side could break the deadlock in extra time.
During the penalty shootout, the Spaniards stayed level with their opponents until Alvaro Morata's missed spot-kick. Portugal went on to win the shootout 5-3, winning their second Nations League trophy after 2018-19.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored eight goals in nine games at the UEFA Nations League this season.
"I was already in pain during the warm-up" - Cristiano Ronaldo on his injury in UEFA Nations League final
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he was not fully fit before the Nations League final against Spain began. The Portugal captain was named in the starting lineup, but he didn't play the entire 90 minutes. Ronaldo went down injured and was replaced by Goncalo Ramos in the 88th minute.
Although it is not a serious injury, the former Real Madrid star claimed that he would break his leg if he had to for his national team. Ronaldo said (via the aforementioned outlet's report):
"I was already in pain during the warm-up, but even with the pain, I wasn't comfortable, but for the national team, if I had to break a leg, I would. I gave it my all, I still managed to score a goal, but it was a small touch I had during the warm-up, shooting. Now I'm going on holiday, to recover and rest, it's nothing serious."
