Portugal's emotional Ronaldo rejoices in winning Nations League
MUNICH, Germany, June 8 (Reuters) - Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo shed tears of joy as they won their second Nations League title on Sunday, insisting that winning trophies with his country beats all club honours.
Ronaldo's 138th international goal in the second half took the final to penalties after a 2-2 draw with Spain, with the substituted 40-year-old forward looking on from the sidelines as Portugal netted all five spot kicks to claim the title.
The triumph, which left the five-times Champions League winner in tears, was Ronaldo's third on the international stage, accompanying his 2016 European Championship and 2019 Nations League winners' medals.
"What a joy," Ronaldo told Sport TV. "First of all for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude, for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends.
"Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It's tears. It's duty done and a lot of joy.
"When you talk about Portugal it is always a special feeling. Being captain of this generation is a source of pride. Winning a title is always the pinnacle in a national team."
Ronaldo's future remains uncertain. He said last week he did not plan to play at the Club World Cup in the United States, which starts later this month, despite being courted by clubs taking part in the 32-team tournament.
The Al-Nassr forward said he had several offers from other teams to play in the U.S., while his side's sporting director, Fernando Hierro said last month they were negotiating with Ronaldo over a contract extension but faced competition from clubs eager to sign the five-times Ballon d'Or winner.
For now, however, he is only focused on celebrating his latest triumph, having played in the final with an injury.
"It's beautiful," he added. "It's for our nation. We are a small people, but with a very big ambition.
"The future is short term. Now is the time to rest well. I had the injury and that was the maximum, the maximum ... I pushed, because for the national team you have to push."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
38 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Monday's briefing: Ronaldo wins Nations League as Spalletti leaves Italy
Former Premier League referee Uriah Rennie died at the age of 65, while Jobe Bellingham looks set to walk in older brother Jude's footsteps after Borussia Dortmund agreed a fee with Sunderland for his services. One more for Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo showed he still has it as he scored Portugal's second equaliser (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Skipper Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-2 in the 61st minute but had to leave the field through injury before the end of normal time. Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring at Allianz Arena, with Paris St Germain left-back Nuno Mendes getting Portugal back on level terms, before Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain in front once again. Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes all slotted home their spot-kicks in the shootout, and after Alvaro Morata's nonchalant effort was stopped by goalkeeper Diogo Costa, Joao Neves' effort secured Portugal a second Nations League title following their win in 2019. Not so lucky Luciano? Luciano Spalletti is to manage his final Italy match on Monday (Nick Potts/PA) Luciano Spalletti, who took over as Italy coach in September 2023, revealed in a press conference that Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina had informed him of his departure following their heavy World Cup qualifying loss to Norway. First-half goals from Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland dealt a blow to the Italians' hopes of participating at their first World Cup since 2014. 'Last night we were very together with president Gravina. He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team,' Spalletti said ahead of Monday's clash with Moldova. 'I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job. I'll be there tomorrow evening against Moldova, then we'll resolve the contract.' A Bellingham back in yellow and black? Jobe Bellingham is on his way to the Bundesliga (Nick Potts/PA) Jude Bellingham's younger brother Jobe is on the verge of joining Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. The 19-year-old, who has been named in Lee Carsley's England Under-21 squad for this summer's Euros in Slovakia, could yet be in contention for Dortmund in the Club World Cup in the United States should the deal be completed before June 10. Trailblazer Uriah Rennie dies aged 65 Uriah Rennie, the Premier League's first Black referee, has sadly died aged 65. A trailblazer who broke down barriers, faced down football's fiercest competitors and took no nonsense. Went on to ref 175 PL games, after floodlight failure forced him to abandon his first. RIP 🖤 — Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 8, 2025 Uriah Rennie, the first black referee in the Premier League, took charge of over 300 games across an 11-year career between 1997 and 2008, with 175 of those matches in England's top flight. Jamaican-born Rennie, who had been suffering from a neurological condition, oversaw Derby's clash with Wimbledon in 1997 as his first match. 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie,' said a Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association statement. 'Uriah made history as the Premier League's first black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.' What's on today? Italy host Moldova in what is expected to be Spalletti's final match as Azzurri coach. Belgium host Wales in Group J and Croatia welcome Czech Republic.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd face Bryan Mbeumo fight as striker drops clear summer transfer hint
Manchester United have already made one major signing this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha from Wolves, and plenty more incomings and outgoings are expected at Old Trafford Manchester United are set for a huge summer as they look to bounce back from their worst ever Premier League campaign. United finished 15th in the league last season and failed to qualify for the Champions League after they were beaten 1-0 in the Europa League final by Tottenham. Ruben Amorim has already strengthened his squad with the capture of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and plenty more incomings and outgoings are expected. Despite their poor season, United do have money to spend with CEO Omar Berrada stating earlier this year: "We speak to Ruben very frequently. "Ruben has a good relationship with Jason Wilcox. They both share the vision of how they want to see the team playing. It is about planning properly for the summer transfer window and having a clear idea of what players we want to bring in. "We're making some big efforts to get us in the best financial position. Even if we're outside of Europe - I think we will be in a position to invest in the squad." With that in mind, Mirror Football has taken a look at some of the latest transfer news and rumours from Old Trafford... Mbeumo fight United are hoping to sign Bryan Mbeumo this summer, but Tottenham look set to try and hijack the move. Brentford boss Thomas Frank is expected to replace Ange Postecoglou at Spurs and Mirror Football understands that he wants to bring Mbeumo with him to north London. United have held extensive talks with Mbeumo, but are yet to reach an agreement with Brentford. Although the Red Devils are ready to offer Mbeumo a more lucrative deal, the lure of Champions League football and continuing to work with Frank could tip the balance in Spurs' favour. Hojlund hint Rasmus Hojlund has been linked with a move to Inter Milan this summer, but the striker has insisted he is "fully dedicated" to United. Hojlund managed just 10 goals in 52 games across all competitions last season and reports have claimed that Inter are ready to offer him an escape route. However, when asked about his future while on international duty with Denmark, Hojlund said: "I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. "I'm looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I'm fully dedicated to the project that's underway. I know I can't get much out of reading things. I know what the facts are, and that is that I have a contract with Manchester United until 2030. I expect to play there, so I'm just getting ready for some summer vacation and then hopefully a good pre-season." Garnacho offered exit Mirror Football understands that Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are interested in signing Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer and Al-Nassr have emerged as a potential destination, with the Argentine viewed as an alternative target to Luis Diaz after Liverpool made it clear they do not want to sell him. United have also had enquiries from Saudi Arabia about Jadon Sancho after Chelsea decided to pay a £5m penalty fee instead of signing him permanently after a loan spell at Stamford Bridge.
Sky News
2 hours ago
- Sky News
Snoop Dogg says he hopes to open burger van at Celtic Park
Snoop Dogg says he hopes to set up a burger van at Celtic's stadium and wants to serve fans himself. The US rapper, 53, has described the football club's supporters as "special" and the best fans in European football. And Snoop, who played Glasgow 's OVO Hydro arena in 2023, has also said he strongly identifies with the club's mascot Hoopy the Hound. He said a fast-food van at Celtic Park would become a foodie "Paradise" which is a nickname for the ground in the Parkhead area of the city. Snoop told the Sunday Mail: "I would love to bring a pop-up burger [van] to a sports stadium to show fans that food at stadiums can be good. "It's got to be Celtic Park, man. The secret to a good burger is the love in the preparation. The ground beef has got to be mixed with some secret spices, then add a good quality cheese and some maple-cured bacon. "The Celtic fans are gonna love it, and to make sure they are just right, Snoop is going to be serving them himself." But he said he would not be taking his culinary ventures to Rangers - Celtic's Old Firm rivals at Ibrox. The Drop It Like It's Hot star told the paper: "Am I going to bring my burgers to Rangers as well? Nah, I think we will give that a miss." The musician has previously spoken of investing in Celtic, similar to Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds's involvement with Wrexham FC. Snoop has already published a cookbook and claims to have spoken to chef Gordon Ramsay about a possible venture in Glasgow together. The keen sports fan worked as a correspondent for NBC at the Paris Olympics last year, and has launched two youth football leagues, as well as being a vocal advocate for pay equality for female athletes.
