Cristiano Ronaldo is a divisive figure, there’s no getting away from that.
But he did not deserve to be denied seeing out the biggest game of his career.
The Portugal captain was quite literally forced off the pitch midway through the first half of the Euro 2016 final against France, having valiantly attempted to play through the pain of a knock to his knee.
VIDEO: Cristiano Ronaldo in tears as injury forces him out of Euro 2016 final https://t.co/GKQEn9jZZk
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 10, 2016
As he wrapped the captain’s armband around the biceps of Nani before being hauled to the sidelines on a stretcher, footballers, journalists and fans were united in a dedicated display of sympathy for an all-time great whose international glory was denied once more.
Feel for you C Ronaldo! So sad
— John Arne Riise (@JARiiseOfficial) July 10, 2016
Such a sad sight: Ronaldo borne away on a stretcher. Many at Stade de France stand to applaud him. Forget the ego, Ronaldo one of the greats
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) July 10, 2016
Gutted for #Ronaldo. Like him, or loath him, that's not the way any footballer deserves to leave a final. #Euro2016 pic.twitter.com/jXUGufaUno
— Nick Hope – the athlete’s journalist (@NickHopeTV) July 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/eaamalyon/status/752222617009004545
Ach, that's heartbreaking for Ronaldo. Easy to mock him but he always cares.
— Stefan Bienkowski (@SBienkowski) July 10, 2016
Say what you want about Ronaldo but that was absolutely brutal and not the ending anyone wanted.
— Sam Borden (@SamBorden) July 10, 2016
No matter what your thoughts are on Ronaldo not nice to see a top top sportsman stretchered off on the big stage! ⚽️
— Elliott Bennett (@Ebenno88) July 10, 2016
Absolutely gutted for Ronaldo.
Legend of the game robbed of his biggest game.
You can see what this means to him. pic.twitter.com/GBArlAdGAV— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 10, 2016
Feel desperately sorry for Ronaldo. Incredible player and competitor. Don't get people who don't like him @domfifield 👀
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) July 10, 2016
Its a shame if C.Ronaldo has to come off. You want to see the great players on the pitch in finals
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 10, 2016
I never thought I'd feel sorry for Ronaldo but that's harsh. It was the refusing to accept he had to come off bit Crying rather than winking
— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) July 10, 2016
No matter your opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo, gut-wrenching to see him in tears on the pitch with that injury. Such a sad sight. #POR
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) July 10, 2016
Love him or hate him, u can't deny his talent..No sportsman deserves this esp in a final! So sad! #Ronaldo #FRAvsPOR pic.twitter.com/5hnv556Ip7
— Sophie C (@Sophie_Choudry) July 10, 2016
Love or hate ronaldo, those tears just show how many emotions you can go through on a football pitch. Feel for the guy 😒 #CR7
— Nathaniel Chalobah (@chalobah) July 10, 2016
Feel very sad for #Ronaldo , you could see his pain, powerful moment. #EURO2016Final
— Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) July 10, 2016
