Search icon

Sport

07th Jul 2016

This is what Cristiano Ronaldo said to Gareth Bale after Wales’ semi-final defeat

Humble in victory...

Ben Kenyon

It was the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Gareth Bale show in the Euro 2016 semi-finals.

All eyes were on the two Real Madrid Galacticos as they faced off in the historic last four game between Portugal and Wales.

Would they shake hands? Would they snub each other? Do they really hate each other? Who would come out on top?

It was the 31-year-old Ronaldo who shone brightest in the game and it was his athleticism and genius that killed off the tie in three devastating minutes for Wales.

He made an incredible leap to head home for the first and created the second with a penetrating ball that Nani poked him. Game over.

After the game, the camera focussed in on the Madrid teammates as Ronaldo embraced the devastated Bale.

But now the Portuguese star has explained exactly what he said to the 26-year-old former Spurs man.

https://twitter.com/freebetscouk/status/750797101639032833

“I congratulated them on their run,” said Ronaldo, who looked to be having a deep and meaningful with the Welshman after the victory.

“They had an amazing run. They were the shining star here, the revelation team.

“I wished them good luck and as for the rest I would rather not say.”

Ronaldo, who picked up the man of the match award, was already looking forward to Sunday’s Euro 2016 final at the Stade de France against the winner of France and Germany.

Its 12 years since he played in the final at Euro 2004 – but this time he thinks it will be a different story and believes with maturity and experience on his side, Portugal can go on and win it.

“This is different. I was 18, that was my first final. My debut. Now 12 years have gone by and now we are going to play another final. I am very proud of that.

“I have always dreamed of winning for Portugal, I hope it is our turn now.

“I am very confident and I believe that all these boys deserve it. I deserve it, Portugal deserves it, the fans deserve it – every single Portuguese person deserves it. They’ve been amazing supporters.

“We’ve yet to win anything but it’s the final. I don’t think many people thought that Portugal would make it to the final, but we are there.”

Portugal will face the winner of tonight’s other semi-final between hosts France and World Champions Germany.