Cristiano Ronaldo reacted to shedding tears during Portugal’s Euro 2024 game against Slovenia and then scoring a penalty in the shootout victory by calling them “inexplicable moments”. Ronaldo was cast in the role of villain after missing a series of chances and having his extra-time penalty saved by Slovenia’s goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, in the scoreless encounter.
The 39-year-old was in tears during the extra-time break and consoled by teammates, but he converted a spot-kick in the shootout as Diogo Costa saved all three Slovenia penalties and Portugal won 3-0.
“Even the strongest people have their [bad] days,” Ronaldo said. “I was at rock bottom when the team needed me most. I was sad at first but now I’m happy. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.”
Asked about his emotion during the match, he said: “When I think of my family, I feel emotional because they are unique moments that I cannot express in words. They are people I love, the fans who are always with us and especially with me, and I am very happy about that.
“I hadn’t missed a penalty kick all year. I missed it, but the most important thing is that the team won. I lost twice on penalties this season and won the third time … We deserved to qualify.
“I will always give my best for this shirt, whether I fail or not, but you have to take responsibility when the team has to. I have never been afraid to face things head on. Sometimes I do things right, sometimes I don’t, but giving up is something you will never hear from me.”
Portugal’s win took them through to a quarter-final tie against France – 1-0 winners over Belgium – in Hamburg on Friday.
Ronaldo confirmed this Euros would be his last. He told the Portuguese public broadcaster RTP: “It is, without doubt, my last European Championship. But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by all that football means – by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.”
Ronaldo said “making people happy” was now his main motivation. “It’s not about leaving the world of football,” he said. “What else is there for me to do or win? It’s not going to come down to one point more or one point less.”