Cristiano Ronaldo admits to hitting “rock bottom” with his penalty miss at Euro 2024, but “giving up” has never been an option for the all-time great.
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Saw spot-kick saved in extra-timeHit the net during dramatic shootoutFrance next up in the quarter-finalsWHAT HAPPENED?
The Portuguese superstar had the opportunity to claim a quarter-final berth for his country without the need for shootout drama. The former Real Madrid star stepped up to the spot in extra-time, only to see ex-Atletico Madrid rival Jan Oblak deny him from 12 yards.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Ronaldo was left in tears after squandering a golden opportunity to seal progress into the last eight, but was all smiles afterwards as Diogo Costa delivered a penalty-saving clinic of his own to see Portugal through – with CR7 converting second time around.
WHAT RONALDO SAID
The 39-year-old insists that he was never going to shy away from taking another penalty, as it is not in his nature to back down from a challenge, but he has said of riding an emotional rollercoaster against Slovenia: “Even the strongest people have their bad days. I was at rock bottom when the team needed me most. I will always give my best for this shirt, whether I fail or not, but you have to take responsibility. I have never been afraid to face things head on. Sometimes I do things right, sometimes I don’t, but giving up is something you will never hear from me.”
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Ronaldo is still waiting on his first goal at Euro 2024 – and his sixth European Championship – but will be given another opportunity to break that duck and move a step closer to the ultimate prize when Portugal face France in the quarter-finals on Friday.