Cristiano Ronaldo’s touchline antics during the Euro 2016 final had no impact on his teammates as they fended off France to win their first trophy.
That is according to Selecao icon Jose Fonte, who has dismissed the theory that the 39-year-old helped coach Portugal to success.
An early injury picked up by Ronaldo saw him leave the pitch on a stretcher after sustaining a knee knock.
But he was back out for the second half after receiving treatment, where he proceeded to prowl the touchline for the entirety of the match, which went to extra-time.
He was seen giving out instructions to his teammates and sending encouragement to the squad alongside then-boss Fernando Santos.
And his tears of sadness soon turned from tears to joy after former Swansea striker Eder popped up with the only goal in the 109th minute to clinch a first-ever major title for Portugal.
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Many fans have claimed that it was Ronaldo’s ‘coaching’ that inspired Portugal to victory – something that has since been dismissed by Fonte.
Fonte, who was a regular starter at Euro 2016, has declared that none of the players were even aware of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s presence.
Speaking on UEFA’s Legends Lounge series, the Southampton fan favourite was asked how much Ronaldo had helped them from the sidelines
To which he said: “We were focused on trying to win the game.
“Only after we were watching the images, that’s when we realised what was happening with him and the coach.
“But we were just focusing on trying to win the game to be honest with you.”
While Fonte has played down Ronaldo’s coaching heroics from the sideline, Santos hailed his antics – insisting he did help his teammates.
He stated at the time: “Our captain put in an immense effort. He has amazing team spirit.
“Twice he tried to get back on the pitch in spite of his injury, but him being in the dressing room and on the bench was very important for us.
“He believed – just like myself – that it was going to be our night.”
Unfortunately for Ronaldo, he failed to make an impact at Euro 2024 in Germany, in what was a record-breaking sixth European Championship.
For the first time at the Euros, he failed to find the back of the net, which would have seen him crowned as the oldest goalscorer in the tournament’s history.
While he scored in two penalty shootouts against Slovenia and France in the knockout stages, Portugal were dumped out by Les Bleus in the quarter-finals.
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News Summary:
- Jose Fonte rips up Cristiano Ronaldo theory that Portugal skipper inspired Euro 2016 final glory
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.