“Cristiano told me before the game” - Rio Ferdinand confirms Cristiano Ronaldo helped him win Euro 2024 bet with Gary Lineker

BBC Pundit, Rio Ferdinand has revealed he won a bet with Gary Lineker during Euro 2024 thanks to information given by Cristiano Ronaldo. Ferdinand and Ronaldo know each other from their time together at Manchester United and have maintained contact in the ensuing years.

The bet in question between the two former England internationals was to see who would take the first free kick for Portugal in their quarterfinal clash with France.

Lineker revealed the details of the bet on air, saying (via SPORTbible):

“I had a bet with Rio [for a] bottle of wine. I said Ronaldo will take this free-kick and you went, 'Nope, it's going to be Bruno this time.”

Ferdinand clarified why he picked the Manchester United captain to take the freekick. He revealed that Ronaldo had told him prior to the game that he would let Bruno Fernandes take the first free kick, saying:

“The reason why was because Cristiano told me before the game that he was going to give it to Bruno. So you owe me a bottle of Sassicaia. A big expensive bottle.”

Neither Bruno nor Cristiano Ronaldo were able to score any free kick or produce a goal in the tie. The game went to penalties and Les Bleus emerged victorious 5-3, knocking Portugal out of Euro 2024 in the quarterfinals.

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Cristiano Ronaldo reacts on social media to elimination from Euro 2024

Legendary striker, Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to post a reaction following Portugal’s elimination from Euro 2024. The Selecao were knocked out of the competition by France after their quarterfinal clash in Hamburg went to penalties.

While the Al-Nassr star converted his kick, Joao Felix missed the only penalty in the shootout to send Les Bleus through to the semifinal of the competition. Ronaldo initially stalked off the pitch following the loss and made no public statements in the aftermath of the defeat.

The legendary striker took to Instagram to send a message to his countrymen after his country was eliminated from Euro 2024, posting:

“We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal. We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far. On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honoured and will continue to be built. Together."

Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Al-Nassr, where he hopes to lead them to the Saudi Pro League title. He had previously confirmed that Euro 2024 would be his last Euros.

The legendary striker has appeared in the tournament in six consecutive editions, the most of any player in the competition's history.