“Eat him Mikey, he’s nervous” - Paul Pogba’s comment on Cristiano Ronaldo before penalty in Euro 2024 quarter-final vs France goes viral
Paul Pogba, a World Cup winner with France, was pictured watching and supporting his country at Euro 2024 when they clashed with Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo. The midfielder was part of the Les Bleus side that claimed glory in Russia in 2018 and while not part of the team in Germany, he remains invested in his nation's fortunes.
The quarter-final clash between France and the Selecao at the ongoing European Championships was a closely-fought 0-0 draw that went to penalties. Facing the lottery of the penalty shootout, Pogba was seen urging his nation on before Ronaldo took the first kick, saying (via UrFreshTVSport):
“Eat him, Mikey, he is nervous.”
Cristiano Ronaldo converted his spot kick but it was France who emerged victorious at Portugal’s expense in the shootout after Joao Felix missed his penalty.
Paul Pogba will be pleased to see his nation progressing to the semis despite not being able to feature at the tournament. The former Manchester United midfielder has been banned from competitive football for a doping violation and has recently said he looks forward to returning to the pitch after serving his time on the sidelines.
France superstar Paul Pogba’s comments about Cristiano Ronaldo before Euro 2024 penalty shootout
Before Portugal and France faced each other in Hamburg in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo were briefly teammates at Manchester United. The pair played together for a single season at Old Trafford before the World Cup winner returned to Juventus.
Pogba has always been complimentary of Ronaldo’s abilities as a player. The Frenchman hailed the legendary striker after a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur in March 2022, saying (via Manchester Evening News):
"Ronaldo did what he does best. He has never been a problem. You have the best striker in history in our team, he cannot be a problem. Ronaldo was brilliant. Everybody knows Cristiano – there’s no need to talk about him. That’s what he does. He didn’t play in the last game, but he comes back and scores three goals. Everybody’s happy.”
Les Bleus will face Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 on Tuesday, July 9.