Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence after bursting into tears during dramatic Portugal win

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a nine-word message to his supporters after Portugal's dramatic penalty shootout victory over Slovenia at Euro 2024.

The former Manchester United forward endured a rollercoaster night as he missed a number of chances during the 90 minutes before failing to convert a penalty in extra-time. After Diogo Jota was brought down inside the area, Ronaldo was handed the chance from 12 yards to put Portugal ahead in the 105th minute.

However, the 39-year-old failed to convert, as his spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Jan Oblak. That moment brought Ronaldo to tears, as he had to be consoled by United defender Diogo Dalot during the break. It was a look of both disappointment and frustration from the Al-Nassr striker.

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Jota then went over to support Ronaldo as Bruno Fernandes tried to rally the Portugal camp for the final 15 minutes of extra-time. Following a 0-0 draw, Roberto Martinez's side managed to get the job done in the end, although it took a heroic performance from Diogo Costa in the shootout to ensure they got over the line. The Porto shot-stopper saved the first three Slovakia penalties to help them win 3-0 on penalties.

Ronaldo, however, redeemed himself to score one of the three spot-kicks Portugal had as they booked their place in the quarter-final to face France, who scraped past Belgium 1-0 earlier on Monday. After the game, Ronaldo took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to send a brief message to the Portugal supporters. He said: "Inexplicable moments. Let's give it our all! Thank you," followed with the Portugal flag emoji.

Despite Ronaldo missing a penalty in extra-time, Martinez heaped praise on his mental strength to then go again and step up in the shootout. "Ronaldo missed the penalty and then was decisive in starting the tiebreaker, he set the stage and it was a victory for unity, for the dressing room," he said.

"Cris is our captain and he showed that in life and in football there are difficult moments but we cannot give up, he showed what to do when things don't go well."