Emotional Ronaldo says ‘nothing better’ than winning trophies with Portugal after UEFA Nations League win

Cristiano Ronaldo has had a glittering career and he has won many titles with clubs, but the Portuguese said winning a big title with the national team is more special. Ronaldo lifted his second Nations League crown after Portugal stunned Spain 5-3 on penalties after regular and extra time ended in a  2-2 draw.

Ronaldo, who was playing despite injury concerns, scored the equaliser when Spain were leading by 2-1. This was Ronaldo’s 138th international goal as the veteran continues to deliver at the top level despite recently turning 40.

After the last penalty kick was scored by Portugal’s Ruben Neves, Ronaldo could not hold his tears of happiness.

“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.”

The Al Nassr forward said he was ready to break his leg for Portugal but wanted to play for the national team despite his injury.

“I had already felt it during the warmup, I had been feeling it for some time, but for the national team, if I had to break my leg, I would have broken it,” Ronaldo said. “It’s for a trophy, I had to play and I gave it my all.

“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.”