'Good penalty' - Bernardo Silva defends Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal superstar reduced to tears at Euro 2024

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was unable to keep his emotions in check during a last-16 showdown with Slovenia. He missed an extra-time spot-kick in that contest, leading to him breaking down on the touchline. The all-time great composed himself in time to score during a dramatic shootout.

Manchester City star Silva has said of seeing Ronaldo show his vulnerable side at a major international tournament: “Regarding Cristiano, we are humans and he felt emotional when he missed the penalty. That is totally acceptable. You want to help the team and he felt he could have done better in that moment. In my opinion it's a very good penalty and a great save from [Jan] Oblak. Then he cried for a bit which is normal, which is how humans deal with emotions sometimes. So I don't see any reason for people to discuss it. But obviously people will because that's the business.”

Ronaldo has faced criticism for trying too hard to break his goal duck at Euro 2024, as he dominates free-kick duty for Portugal, but Silva says a deaf ear is being turned to any detractors. He added: “We don't complain about the criticism. It's for the good and for the bad. It's part of the job. Everyone knows a little bit about football. When it comes to June and the World Cup or Euros, everyone thinks they are a manager. We get that and accept that.”

Portugal will be back in action on Friday when facing France in a heavyweight quarter-final tie. That contest will see Al-Nassr superstar Ronaldo – who is still going strong at 39 years of age – line up against Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe.