"I simply achieved my dream" – Fan who ran onto pitch to grab selfie with Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2024 clash recalls incident
After taking a selfie with Cristiano Ronaldo during Portugal's recent 3-0 UEFA Euro 2024 win against Turkey, the unnamed supporter has opened up on his once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Earlier this Saturday (June 22), Ronaldo's side romped to their second successive win in the Euro 2024 group-stage. Bernardo Silva netted the opener before Samet Akaydin scored an own goal in the first half. Bruno Fernandes got his team's third in the 55th minute.
Around 15 minutes after Portugal's third goal, the aforementioned fan stormed the pitch to grab a picture with the Al-Nassr striker. Now, the young boy has shared his thoughts on the incident (h/t SPORTbible):
"I told my father I was going to the bathroom. I simply achieved my dream. I can't believe this happened."
Following the kid's pitch invasion, five other supporters also got on the pitch during Portugal's Group F win at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
At a post-game press conference, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez expressed his concerns about the players' safety. He said (h/t Metro):
"It's a concern because today we were lucky that the intentions of the fans were good. I think we all love a fan who recognises the big star and the big icons... but you can understand that there is a very, very difficult moment if those intentions are wrong."
Portugal, who are atop Group F with six points from two matches, will next take on Georgia in Gelsenkirchen this Wednesday (June 26).
Ex-Portugal star Quaresma states Cristiano Ronaldo has to play all Euro 2024 matches
Speaking to Portuguese website Renascenca, ex-Portugal star Ricardo Quaresma claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo has to start each of Portugal's Euro 2024 matches. He said:
"For me, and I don't say this because I'm his friend, I say this as a fan: he has to play. Because, if you take away Cristiano Ronaldo, who are you going to put in?"
Queried about options like Diogo Jota and Goncalo Ramos, he added:
"They are good players, but the respect is different when you have Cristiano. He may not [perform] one day, but just by being there, the respect is different. The opponent is already a little shaky, because at the slightest mistake, he finishes. So, for me, he always has to play. As long as he's there, he always has to play."
So far, the Al-Nassr striker has played every single minute of Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign. He is yet to net once but has provided an assist.
Meanwhile, Liverpool's Jota has featured in just 28 minutes of action at Euro 2024. Ramos, on the other hand, is yet to play at the tournament.