The real reason why I cried in Euro 24

Summary

In this reflective interview, Cristiano Ronaldo addresses the emotional moment of his tears during a tournament, explaining that his passion for football and the pressure he puts on himself are the driving forces behind his emotions. He discusses the public's perception, the importance of being true to oneself, and the transient nature of both success and failure in sports. Ronaldo emphasizes the significance of living in the present and the relentless pursuit of excellence, regardless of past outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😢 The emotional impact of missing a penalty is profound for Cristiano Ronaldo, as he feels he has let down his country and the expectations placed upon him.
• 🏆 Despite being the most followed person in the world, Ronaldo acknowledges that both praise and criticism come with the territory and he has learned to accept both as part of his public life.
• 🤔 Ronaldo clarifies that his tears are not due to ego or self-pity, but stem from the immense pressure he places on himself to perform and succeed.
• 👪 The support and presence of his family, especially his mother, can evoke strong emotions in him, highlighting the personal significance of representing his country.
• 🔥 His passion for football is so intense that it sometimes leads to emotional outbursts, which he views as a natural expression of his dedication to the sport.
• 💪 Ronaldo has internalized the idea that he must always strive to be the best, a mindset that drives him but also contributes to the pressure he feels.
• 🤷‍♂️ He dismisses the notion that his age or the opinions of others will change his approach to the game, emphasizing his commitment to continue performing at the highest level.
• 🏃‍♂️ Ronaldo's philosophy is to live in the present and not dwell on past failures or successes, focusing on what he can control in the current moment.
• 🤝 He values the camaraderie and support within the national team, acknowledging that criticism and praise are part of the journey for all players.
• 🏆 Reflecting on Portugal's performance in the Euros, Ronaldo considers it average and sees the loss in penalties as a learning experience for future tournaments.

Q & A

Why did Cristiano Ronaldo cry during the tournament?

Cristiano Ronaldo cried because he felt the pressure of responsibility. He was upset with himself for missing a penalty that could have led to Portugal's elimination, and the emotional weight of the moment overwhelmed him.

How does Cristiano Ronaldo handle criticism and media attention?

Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledges that criticism comes with being a public figure and the most followed person in the world. He believes it's part of the business and doesn't let it affect him personally.

What does Cristiano Ronaldo attribute his popularity to?

He attributes his popularity to multiple factors including his goals, football trophies, family, lifestyle, and the fact that people can relate to him in some way.

How does Cristiano Ronaldo deal with the pressure he puts on himself?

He admits to putting a lot of pressure on himself to be the best, which has its advantages when things go well but can be tough when they don't. However, he loves the pressure and knows how to handle it.

What was Cristiano Ronaldo's emotional state during the World Cup?

He was emotional during the World Cup, especially when he saw his mom in the crowd. He believes it's important to express emotions during special moments rather than hiding them.

How does Cristiano Ronaldo view his role in the national team?

He views his role as someone who always tries to score and contribute to the team's success, regardless of the opponent. He doesn't let age or criticism affect his performance or mindset.

What is Cristiano Ronaldo's approach to dealing with failure or setbacks?

He believes in focusing on the present and not dwelling on the past. He learns from setbacks and continues to work hard, understanding that life and football go on.

How does Cristiano Ronaldo feel about his performance in the Euros 24 tournament?

He considers Portugal's performance as average. He acknowledges that they could have done better but also recognizes the unpredictability of football and the lessons learned for the future.

What is Cristiano Ronaldo's mindset regarding his age and performance in football?

He dismisses the notion that age should affect his performance. He believes in constant work and improvement, regardless of what others may say about his age.

How does Cristiano Ronaldo handle the emotional impact of losing important matches?

He allows himself to be upset immediately after a loss but quickly moves on, focusing on the present and future. He uses these moments as motivation to work harder and show more in the next game.