Euro 2016 final: Ronaldo leaves pitch in tears after sustaining injury

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off injured in tears just 25 minutes into Sunday’s Euro 2016 final against France in Paris

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off injured in tears just 25 minutes into Sunday’s Euro 2016 final against France in Paris.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is stretchered off the pitch after picking up an injury during the Euro 2016 final against France, at Stade de France near Paris. (Reuters Photo)

The Real Madrid forward had attempted to play on with a heavily bandaged knee after hurting himself in an eighth-minute collision with France’s Dimitri Payet.

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But after one acceleration midway through the first half, Ronaldo signalled to the bench that he could not carry on and could not hide his despair as he was replaced by Ricardo Quaresma with the game still goalless.

(Reuters Photo)

France coach Didier Deschamps (right) looks after Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo who suffered an injury during the Euro 2016 final match between Portugal and France at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. (AP Photo)

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo's son Cristiano Junior (top) waits for the kick off of the Euro 2016 final football match between Portugal and France. (AFP Photo)

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after sustaining an injury (Reuters Photo)

Ronaldo cries in pain during the Euro 2016 final match between Portugal and France. (AP Photo)

Ronaldo is challenged by France's Patrice Evra and Dimitri Payet. (Reuters Photo)

(Reuters Photo)

Portugal lost the 2004 Euro final to Greece when they hosted the tournament.

Ronaldo, who shed tears as a 19-year-old at that match, had said this week that he wanted to be “crying with joy” on Sunday.