Happy Ronaldo leaves European final in tears for 2nd time
SAINT-DENIS, France — This time, Cristiano Ronaldo cried with joy at a European Championship final and lifted the trophy as the winning captain.
The Portugal star hoisted the silver trophy and screamed “Vamos” — “Let’s go” — as he got his hands on an elusive first major title for his national team at the age of 31.
First there had been anguish. Ronaldo had a tearful night as first he was injured by a strong tackle by France’s Dimitri Payet, forcing him to leave the pitch in the 25th minute of the game when he was unable to continue.
He returned to the field to rally his teammates for 30 minutes of extra time when it was 0-0 after 90 minutes at the Stade de France.