Credit: X
Portugal have been eliminated from the UEFA Euro 2024 in the quarter-final stage after losing against France 5-3 on penalties. With Portugal's exit, legendary Cristiano Ronaldo played his last European championship, however, failed to score a goal in the tournament for the first time in the last six editions. Despite the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's goalless Euro 2024, his former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand has backed the Portuguese for his "desire to win, score" among others.
After failing to score a goal in 120 minutes, the game went to the penalties, where Joao Felix's shot off the post cost Portugal the game against France on Friday. The 39-year-old, who is the top scorer and assist maker in Euro finals history, failed to score a single goal in the tournament.
While many blamed Ronaldo for Portugal's loss against France as he missed a crucial chance to break the deadlock and score the opener, Rio Ferdinand backed the Portuguese for his determination and mentality. In his podcast 'FIVE' with Ronaldo's Portugal teammate Jose Fonte, the former English footballer asked the S.C. Braga defender to give insight about Ronaldo when they shared the changing room.
Ferdinand posted a clip on X with a caption that read, "I don’t wanna be seeing any Cristiano memes on my timeline… Yes Portugal went out but this guys desire to win, score and mentality will always be one for kids to look at for generations!"
Watch the video here:
