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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Portuguese GOAT nursing knock before final</li><li>Lasted 88 minutes &amp; scored important goal</li><li>International success means everything to him</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Cristiano Ronaldo was never fit! CR7 makes injury revelation while claiming he would have played Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final win over Spain with 'a broken leg'

<p>At 40 years of age, the evergreen frontman captained his country - on the occasion of his 221st cap - as they faced Spain in Munich with major silverware up for grabs. He was on target in the contest, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/portugal-player-ratings-spain-cristiano-ronaldo-delivers-again-nuno-mendes-lamine-yamal-diogo-costa-heroics-nations-league-final-victory/blt98783aec76680f62" target="_blank">taking his record-shattering international goal tally to 138</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Ronaldo had to be replaced in the 88th minute, however, ruling him out of extra-time and a nerve-shredding penalty shootout, but got his hands on the ultimate prize as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-calls-out-lack-respect-roberto-martinez-insists-portugal-boss-done-extraordinary-job/blt7778448d72e946fc" target="_blank">Portugal prevailed 5-3 on spot-kicks</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>CR7, who <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/video-portugal-cristiano-ronaldo-tears-nations-league-title-penalty-shootout-spain/blt26ced63615b6f26a" target="_blank">broke down in tears after Ruben Neves sealed Portugal’s epic victory</a>, claimed afterwards to have been nursing a knock before a ball was kicked. He said: "I had already felt it during the warm-up, I had been feeling it for some time. But for the national team, if I had to break a leg, I would. It’s a title, I had to play and I gave my all, I went as far as I could. I helped with a goal."</p>

WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

<p>Ronaldo is one of the most decorated players in history, but said of adding a second Nations League crown to his collection of honours: "I’m so happy. Winning for Portugal is very special. I have many titles, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal.</p><p>"The tears and the sense of duty fulfilled. It’s beautiful. It’s our nation. We are a small nation of people, but with great ambition. I’ve lived in many countries, I’ve played for many clubs, but when they talk about Portugal it’s a special feeling. Being the captain of this generation, it’s a source of pride.</p><p>"Winning a title is always the highlight of a national team. The future is about thinking in the short term. I had an injury and that was too much, too much… I pushed, because for the national team you have to push."</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Ronaldo can now rest his aching limbs after reaching a much-needed summer break. He will not be gracing the FIFA Club World Cup, despite being <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/revealed-stunning-deal-lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-team-mates-short-term-contract-unite-eternal-rivals-mls-inter-miami/blt26a029384cde3c27" target="_blank">linked with a number of teams taking part in that competition</a>, and needs to make a decision on his expiring contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Cristiano Ronaldo was never fit! CR7 makes injury revelation while claiming he would have played Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final win over Spain with 'a broken leg' | Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed how he was never fit for Portugal’s Nations League final, but the all-time great was willing to play with a broken leg.

Cristiano Ronaldo was never fit! CR7 makes injury revelation while claiming he would have played Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final win over Spain with &apos;a broken leg&apos;