It personally did not go according to the script for Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo early in Sunday s Euro 2016 final.
Seeking to make amends for Portugal s Euro 2004 final defeat to Greece, Ronaldo left the field in tears on a stretcher after suffering a knee injury against the host nation at the Stade de France.
Ronaldo had initially returned to the pitch following a crunching tackle from Dimitri Payet but Portugal s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player was unable to continue in Paris.
Portugal did manage to go on and beat France 1-0 after extra time thanks to Eder s goal, though the 31-year-old s heartbreaking exit understandably drew worldwide attention. We take a look at the best tributes here from his fellow star athletes.
Terrible to see Cris come off like that. Hope it s nothing too bad
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11)
Prayers for ! I m hurt for ya !
— Odell Beckham Jr (@OBJ_3)
The final not same without . Sad nite for football
— Salomon Kalou (@salomonkalou)
You are the best in the world brother. Força .
— Raul Meireles (@OficialMeireles)
What a shame for to leave the final like this get well soon
— Patrick Kluivert (@PatrickKluivert)
Im so much for France but im so sad for to see him go out of this
— Louis Saha (@louissaha08)
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)
