“That’s what separates him from the rest” - Jose Fonte highlights 2 qualities he respects in ‘emotional’ Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Portugal full-back Jose Fonte has reflected on what differentiates Cristiano Ronaldo from the rest. The comments came after A Selecao lost to France in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on penalties in Stuttgart on Friday (July 5).

In a game where the two defences largely dominated, chances were few and far between for either team. Nevertheless, Roberto Martinez's side arguably created the better openings, with Ronaldo guilty of wastefully blasting over in extra time.

In the ensuing shootout, Ronaldo scored, but Joao Felix's miss meant Les Bleus won 5-3 to eliminate A. Selecao, ending the 39-year-old's potentially final European Championship appearance on a sour note.

Fonte, who won Euro 2016 with Cristiano Ronaldo, told Rio Ferdinand on the Legends Lounge about what separates the 39-year-old from the rest - his drive and mentality, work ethic and perseverance - elaborating (4:21):

“You know him perhaps even better than me since you played with him for so many years. Like you said, he’s an emotional guy. He wants to win more than anything. He wants to score goals. He wants to be successful. This drive that he has and the mentality, that’s what separates him from the rest. Once you understand the man, you understand why he does stuff.

“Lots of respect for him and for his drive and his mentality. He’s just an example to any young kid that wants to be successful at anything. His work ethic, perseverance (are) second to none.”

While Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. wonder could have been, Les Bleus advance to a blockbuster semi-final with Spain on Tuesday (July 9) in Munich.

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"We lost, but we lost with pride" - Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal boss Roberto Martinez after Euro 2024 exit

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez is understandably disappointed with his team's exit from Euro 2024 but lauded his players for their character, unity and camaraderie.

After a 'perfect' qualifying campaign, A Selecao arrived in Germany as one of the title contenders but failed to hit top gear despite boasting an array of talent across positions at their disposal. Analysing the defeat to France, Martinez told UEFA.com

"We played well and created many opportunities. I am proud of the players, they showed great character. We had more of the ball and demonstrated lots of personality. We deserved to win, and it's a sad moment, but the players should be extremely proud of themselves."

"The individual talent of this team is there for all to see. They showed great unity and knew how to suffer, always with the desire to win. We lost, but we lost with pride, always giving everything in every minute, in true Portuguese style. We won't stop here. In the future, we will give everything."

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo endured a rare goalless major tournament - first in 11 appearances - failing to score in five games, missing a penalty, but he did score in two shootouts, creating a plethora of competition records.