"For the national team, if I had to break a leg, I would" - Cristiano Ronaldo claims he played through injury in Portugal's Nations League final win

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he played the UEFA Nations League with an injury. He claimed that he felt something in the warm-up, but decided to go ahead and play the game as it was an important match.

Speaking to the media after the win over Spain, Ronaldo said that he would have played for the national side with a broken leg if needed. He was happy to have scored in the game and said via OJogo:

"I had already felt it in the warm-up, it had been coming for some time. But, for the national team, if I had to break a leg, I would leave. It's a title, I had to play and I gave my best, I went as far as I could. I helped with a goal."

Talking about the UEFA Nations League win, he added:

"I feel a lot of joy. First for this generation, it deserved a title. For the families, I had mine here. Winning for Portugal is very special. I have a lot of titles, but nothing better than winning for Portugal. The tears and the duty fulfilled... It's beautiful. It is our nation. We are a small people, but with a very big ambition."

"I've lived in many countries, I've played in many clubs, but when they talk about Portugal, it's a special feeling. Being captain of this generation is a source of pride. Winning a title is always the pinnacle of a national team. The future is thinking short-term. I had an injury, but I forced it, because for the national team you have to push".

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner in the 2-1 win over Germany in the UEFA Nations League semifinal. He scored the equalizer to make it 2-2 in the final against Spain, which the 2019 champions went on to win via the penalty shootout after the two sides finished level after extra time.

Roberto Martinez to continue after managing Cristiano Ronaldo-led side win UEFA Nations League

Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, has confirmed that they want Roberto Martinez to continue until the end of his contract. He stated that the manager has a deal until 2028 and said via OJogo:

"I have never spoken. It has a contract until 2028, this board, although it has not made these contracts, will comply with these signatures. We are satisfied with the work of the coach. We never felt the need to go public to reassure, the coach knew well what we thought of his work. Now we are going to have a World Cup with many joys."

Portugal were linked with Cristiano Ronaldo's former Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho. He was also linked with Inter Milan, but the Fenerbahce manager has rebuffed such reports.