Cristiano Ronaldo reveals what he said to Gareth Bale after dumping Wales out of Euro 2016
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The Portuguese captain scored one and assisted the other as his side reached the final for the first time since 2004, when they lost to Greece
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed what he said to Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Baleafter Portugal knocked Wales out of Euro 2016.
The Portuguese captain scored one and assisted the other as his side reached the final for the first time since 2004, when they lost to Greece.
Ronaldo was seen consoling Bale after the final whistle, and he also congratulated the Welshman on his side's remarkable run in the competition.
"I congratulated them on their run," Ronaldo said, having embraced Bale at the end.
"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."
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Cristiano Ronaldo consoles Gareth Bale
Clive Rose
Ronaldo sais he congratulated Bale on Wales's run
Reuters
The club-mates embrace after the final whistle
The Welsh players stayed on the pitch after the final whistle to applaud their fans, and didn't make it back to the team hotel until 20 past midnight.
Man of the match Ronaldo's incredible header early in the second half was followed three minutes later by Nani turning home his shot, sending them into Sunday's Stade de France finale against world champions Germany or hosts France.
"This is different," the 31-year-old 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.
"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.
"That fills me with pride, I am very happy. Now we have to get ready for Sunday and we want to make this dream true."
Ronaldo approaches the match fresh from another historic display, having equalled Michel Platini's record of nine European Championship goals.
"Record-breaking is something very nice," he said.
"I have broken many records before and I am still breaking records for club and country, but this all comes naturally and the crucial thing was to reach the final.
Reuters
Wales' Wayne Hennessey reacts as Portugal's Nani scores the second
Reuters
Nani celebrates with his team-mates
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Ronaldo celebrates with Nani after the second goal
"I am very happy and I am very proud of all my team-mates. Me and the boys have always dreamt of being there. Now it's almost there.
"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."
Few could have foreseen Portugal making the July 10 finale having finished third in Group F behind Hungary and Iceland.
Fernando Santos' side had not even won a match inside 90 minutes until Wednesday's semi-final in Lyon, but relentlessly-confident Ronaldo says his belief never wavered.
Andy Stenning
Emotional scenes at the end as the Welsh players salute the fans
Reuters
Wales head coach Chris Coleman, Ashley Williams and Bale after the game
