“We were focused on trying to win the game”: Ex-Portugal star says team did not notice Cristiano Ronaldo on touchline during Euro 2016 final
Former Portugal star Jose Fonte has claimed that the team did not notice Cristiano Ronaldo on the touchline at the final of Euro 2016. The Iberian nation emerged victorious in the final of the European Championship against France in Paris despite the legendary forward being taken off due to injury in the 25th minute.
Following his withdrawal from the game, the Real Madrid legend stood on the touchline to yell instructions to his teammates. Pictures and videos of Ronaldo alongside his head coach on the touchline went viral and formed a part of the iconic striker's legendarium.
Speaking on the Legends Lounge YouTube channel, the now-retired defender said he did not see or hear Ronaldo during the game:
“We were focused on trying to win the game. Only after [the game] we were watching the images and that’s when we realised what was happening with him and the coach [on the sidelines].”
Portugal went on to win the match and the tournament. It was their first European Championships trophy, which was made possible by an Eder 109th-minute strike.
While Fonte has retired from the Selecao, Cristiano Ronaldo remains active for Portugal and was part of the team recently knocked out of the Euros.
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Euro 2016 winner Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to make the 2026 World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo's former manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the former is unlikely to feature at the 2026 World Cup. The legendary striker has continued to play for Portugal at 39 years old and recently participated in Euro 2024 with the Selecao.
Ronaldo is a national hero, playing 212 games and scoring 130 while providing 45 assists in over two decades for the Iberian nation.
Speaking to Sport Bild, the legendary manager, who coached Ronaldo at Manchester United between 2003 and 2009, discussed the legendary forward. Sir Alex didn't express confidence that Ronaldo would participate in the next World Cup when asked about the likelihood of that happening:
"I can't imagine that [Ronaldo will play in 2026]. Football will become even faster and more athletic in the coming years. In addition, the space for central strikers will become increasingly smaller. In contrast to defenders, it is more difficult for strikers to play at the highest level when they are older."
It remains to be seen if Cristiano Ronaldo will keep playing for Portugal till 2026, when the World Cup heads to North America. The legendary striker will be 41 years old and might find it hard to compete at the required level.
He recently attempted to recreate his Euro 2016 triumph with his national Euro 2024 in Germany, but only got as far as the quarterfinals, managing a solitary assist in four games.