Cristiano Ronaldo ranks international honours above club prizes, with the all-time great saying there is "nothing better than winning for Portugal".
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Won domestic & continental titles at club levelNow a two-time Nations League winnerBroke down in tears after victory over SpainFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The 40-year-old frontman has been lifting major silverware again with his country. Despite facing questions of his contribution to the collective cause on the back of a disappointing European Championship in 2024, CR7 hit eight goals for Portugal in their triumphant UEFA Nations League campaign.
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That came to a close in a thrilling clash with Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Despite trailing on two occasions, Roberto Martinez’s side – courtesy of Ronaldo’s 138th international goal – were able to force extra-time and penalties.
WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID
After breaking into tears at the end of a thrilling shootout – which he sat out after picking up an injury – Ronaldo hoisted another trophy aloft. He told afterwards of his emotions: “What a joy. First of all for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude, for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends.
“Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It's tears. It's duty done and a lot of joy. When you talk about Portugal it is always a special feeling. Being captain of this generation is a source of pride. Winning a title is always the pinnacle in a national team.”
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Ronaldo is now a two-time Nations League winner, having previously claimed that prize in 2019. He also helped his country to Euros glory in 2016, with those medals meaning more to him than any domestic title or Champions League memento.
