Joao Palhinha has revealed what he said to Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal captain broke down in tears during their Euro 2024 clash with Slovenia.
Portugal suffered a massive scare in their round of 16 match on Monday night but made it through to the last eight of the tournament after winning on penalties.
Ronaldo, 39, wasted several chance to score in the match including missing a penalty in extra time, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner breaking down in tears during the interval after his miss.
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Several teammates came to his aid, including Fulham midfielder Palhinha – who was spotted giving his captain a pep talk before the second period of extra time.
Portugal eventually triumphed on penalties after the match ended goalless, Ronaldo scoring his spot-kick before three saves from goalkeeper Diogo Costa sealed a 3-0 win in the shootout for Roberto Martinez's side.
Palhinha has now revealed what he told Ronaldo after the Al Nassr star struggled to contain his emotions.
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"We told Cristiano that he'd score another penalty, and he did," Palhinha told Stadium Astro.
"He took the ball and was the first to take the penalty in the shoot-out, showing the personality he has.
"Only those who step up can fail. He knows how many goals he's scored, he needs no introduction when it comes to penalties.
"It wasn't because of that, that we weren't going to win. The team had opportunities to kill the game off.
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"It was a game of a lot of suffering and we showed our unity, especially at that moment with Cristiano.
"It was Cristiano but it could have been anyone else and the team's attitude would have been the same."
After the match, Ronaldo explained his tearful reaction to missing the penalty.
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"Even the strongest people have their [bad] days," he 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."
Portugal will now face France in their quarter-final in Hamburg on Friday.
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Topics: Portugal, Euro 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo, Football
Rory O'Callaghan