Cristiano Ronaldo reveals what he said with Gareth Bale after Portugal knock Wales out of Euro 2016
The Portugal captain offered Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale some words of consolation in the wake of Wales' heartbreaking semi-final defeat
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Your support makes all the difference.Cristiano Ronaldo offered Gareth Bale some words of consolation in the wake of Wales’ semi-finals defeat remarking that Chris Coleman’s side had been the “revelation team” of the tournament.
Wales’ historic run at Euro 2016 – it was their first major tournament since 1958 – ended in heartbreak as Portugal registered their first win within 90 minutes at the tournament after putting two past the Welsh.
Ronaldo’s phenomenal header in the 50th minute, followed three minutes later by Nani’s close-range finish, made the difference as the Portuguese captain inspired his side to victory.
With regulars Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies suspended, Wales struggled to recreate the performance that saw them overcome Belgium in emphatic fashion in the quarter-finals.
As a match that had been billed as a clash between Ronaldo and Bale, the pair exchanged words in the aftermath of the game as the Portuguese looked to console his Madrid teammate.
"I congratulated them on their run," Ronaldo said, having embraced Bale after the whistle had blown. "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."
Bale refused to remain too downbeat about the defeat though and insisted that Welsh football has a promising future ahead of itself.
“We're bitterly disappointed to be so close to the final but we have to be proud,” he said. “We have achieved a lot.
“We've had a taste of it now and we look forward to the future. We have confidence. We don't just want to turn up to one tournament, it's about the bigger picture for us.”
As for Ronaldo, the 31-year-old outlined his delight to have reached his second European Championship final with Portugal.
"This is different," he said, comparing this tournament to Euro 2004.
"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.”
"I've always dreamt of winning something for Portugal and now it's just one step away. Dreaming is free so let's keep dreaming."
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