Ronaldo says ‘nothing is better than winning for Portugal’ after Nations League victory – and reveals decision on his future | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo hailed Portugal’s “special” Nations League win over Spain, and also confirmed he will be staying with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

The 40-year-old scored in the Nations League final against Spain as Portugal won on penalties following a 2-2 draw.

Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi had opened the scoring for Spain before Nuno Mendes’ equaliser. Mikel Oyarzabal then struck before half-time but Ronaldo scored his 138th international goal to level the score.

And Alvaro Morata’s penalty miss allowed Portugal to win the shoot-out and lift the trophy.

“What a joy,” Ronaldo told Sport TV. “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.”

Ronaldo was replaced late on in normal time with injury and confirmed afterwards that he had been struggling with the problem in the lead up to the game.

“I had already felt it during the warmup,” he said. “I had been feeling it for some time, but for the national team, if I had to break my leg, I would have broken it.

“It’s for a trophy, I had to play and I gave it my all.

“It’s for our nation. We are a small people, but with a very big ambition. The future is short term. Now is the time to rest well. I had the injury and that was the maximum, the maximum.

“I pushed, because for the national team you have to push.”

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward also confirmed he would be staying with his current club Al Nassr.

He told reporters: “Future? Nothing will change. Al Nassr? Yes.”