Former Portugal international Jose Fonte has denied claims that Cristiano Ronaldo inspired the team to win Euro 2016 from the sidelines.
Ronaldo played just 25 minutes in the Euro 2016 final, having been forced off injured, but Portugal fought on without him and claimed the title with a goal from teammate Eder in extra time, while Cristiano was seen giving instructions to the players in the technical area throughout the match, leading his fans to consider him the main inspiration for the victory over France.
“We didn’t see what Ronaldo did, we were just focused on trying to win the game, then we saw the pictures and realised what he did on the line,” the defender, who played 119 minutes of that final alongside Pepe, told the Legends Lounge series.
“It was a remarkable thing for Ronaldo and his fan base, who have long praised his influence in this match. His night was full of orders and gestures in the presence of coach Fernando Santos, and in one scene he gave wise advice to full-back Raphael Guerreiro,” he added.
There were many reports recently about the possibility of Ronaldo retiring from international football, after the exit from the Euro against France in the quarter-finals, but the Al-Nassr captain came out to confirm his enthusiasm to participate in the 2026 World Cup with his country.
It is worth noting that Fonte is considered one of Ronaldo’s friends and staunchest defenders, as he came out to describe him as one of the best players ever after the match against Slovenia in the round of 16 of Euro 2024, but he had previously said in 2022 that Portugal plays better as a team without him.
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