Thousands turn out to welcome home champions Portugal

The France coach admitted there were “no words” to express his disappointment at the 1-0 defeat, with the winning goal scored deep into extra-time as a penalty shoot-out was looming.

This is the heartwarming moment a tearful French football fan was consoled by a young Portugal fan. “It has been proved that this is not by chance or luck, that they are not a banal team, they are the best in Europe”, Rebelo de Sousa said in a speech from his palace to thousands of fans cheering outside. And we showed when you fight as one you are much much stronger.

“I’m so happy – very happy”, Ronaldo said, having celebrated with his left knee heavily strapped.

Clad in full kit, he lifted the trophy after Eder’s extra-time victor in Paris and the 31-year-old was also one of the first people to step off the plane as it touched down on Portuguese soil on Monday.

Sunday, Portugal defeated France 1-0 to capture the Euro 2016 crown. I have to congratulate Portugal.

“CHAMPIONS! The greatest! Congratulations!” the former Inter Milan, Real and Barcelona star wrote. Ronaldo and manager Fernando Santos carried the trophy together as they stepped out of the plane.

The game would finally end for Ronaldo, sobbing, as he was stretchered off.

“It was a goal I’ve been working for from the first minute of the Euros”, he added.

Portugal defended doggedly and threatened occasionally without their inspirational skipper. “Everything we’ve experienced over the past few weeks and months has been positive so I’m just disappointed we couldn’t win this trophy for the millions of fans”, he said.

It was the first time 24 teams have competed at the tournament, and it led the way for more nations to make their debuts. And Lloris was the latest to raise questions about the manner of Portugal’s wins.

Ronaldo not only topped the list of “Most discussed players in the final” (53 percent) but also topped the “Most discussed players in Portugal” (44 percent) and “Most discussed players in the France” (51 percent) lists as well.

Hosts France dominated the game, as they had almost every match since the start.