Portugal won the European Championship for the first time yesterday after beating hosts France 1-0 at the Stade de France in the Euro 2016 final.
Southampton captain Jose Fonte started for Portugal and rarely put a foot wrong in defence putting on a heroic effort alongside Real Madrid’s Pepe.
Fonte revealed after the game that winning the European Championship was like something out of a film.
“It’s something that was written. It could be a movie,” the 32-year-old was quoted as saying by FourFourTwo.
“We must thank the Portuguese, believing and giving us the energy we needed. Without them it would not have been possible.”
Fonte also thought Portugal coped remarkably well with losing star man Cristiano Ronaldo early in the first half due to a knee injury.
Ronaldo had to be taken off in the 25th minute after suffering a blow from Dimitri Payet. The Real Madrid star was replaced by Besiktas winger Ricardo Quaresma.
Despite being taken off Ronaldo continued to motivate his team from the touchlines and often looked more animated than the actual manager.
“When you lose the best, it’s not easy, but we showed a very large belief, a huge spirit,” he added.
“We suffered as the Portuguese suffer forever, but always sought the goal. They had opportunities, but we are the winners. It is unforgettable.”
Fonte did not featured in the first three games but played the full duration of ever match after the group stages. The experienced defender only made his official debut for the national team back in 2014 aged 30.
The 32-year-old won his first international trophy in his first major international tournament for the Portuguese national side.
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