According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Fernando Santos recalled Portugal's victory at Euro 2016, stating that team unity was the secret to success and Ronaldo's role was decisive.
Ten years after Portugal's historic Euro 2016 triumph, head coach Fernando Santos, who led the team to its first major trophy, recalled key moments from that journey and emphasized that team unity was the "biggest secret" to success.
Fernando Santos, now 71, stated in a message to Lusa: "Ten years have passed since that unforgettable day in Paris. Time allows us to look back at everything with a calmer mind and understand more clearly the weight of our achievements."
For Fernando Santos, the key to defeating France in the final on July 10, 2016, was team spirit. He emphasized: "If there's one idea from that journey that sticks with me, it's that 'we' always comes before 'I'." He also specifically mentioned the crucial role of captain Ronaldo.
Fernando Santos said: "Ronaldo, as captain, played an absolutely decisive role both on and off the field. He led the team by example, with ambition and a never-give-up attitude." Santos took over the Portuguese national team in September 2014.
Despite praising the individual talents of players like Ricardo Quaresma, Nani, Carvalho, and Pepe, Santos still maintained that the team's strength did not solely come from technical ability. He said: "We had many highly talented players, but talent alone is not enough. What truly made the difference was the trust everyone had in each other, the ability to work towards the same goal every day, and the unity formed within that team."
The former Portugal coach also led the team to win the UEFA Nations League in 2019. He gave credit to all participants, from players with less playing time to the staff of the Portuguese Football Federation. Santos emphasized: "Everyone gave their all, whether in training, in matches, or in the atmosphere they created among themselves, ultimately leading Portugal to win the most important trophy in its history. Everyone's dedication, ability, and professionalism created the conditions for the team to focus solely on the game."
Santos also emotionally recalled the support of the fans, especially the Portuguese immigrant community in France. He said: "I will also never forget the extraordinary support the Portuguese people gave us. I have a very special affection for the Portuguese immigrants in France, who turned Marcoussis into a true home for the national team. The energy, emotion, and pride they showed when accompanying us gave us an unexplainable strength."
That victory was sealed by Éder's goal in the 109th minute. During the match, Ronaldo left the field in the 25th minute due to injury and then experienced very tense moments beside the coach. Ten years later, Fernando Santos shared his feelings about fulfilling his mission. He concluded: "I still feel the same pride. Not just because we won the championship, but also because of the way we won it. Because that victory belongs to everyone, not just to me."
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natiksuyz
0
Egocentric Ronaldo should learn! Have always loved him as a Manchester United fan but truth be told his attitude is making him repulsive. For those with calmer nature they won’t have choice but to love Messi but those with opposite nature will defend Ronaldo. Messi is like the calm Old school songs and Ronaldo like contemporary one
Who's this without wisdom??? I guess it is one of the Gen z who doesn't have the right senses of judgement
MrAB1884
1
it was a very selfish comment Ronaldo made that Portugal won nothing before Cristiano. the fact is that he didn't even played the final match against France....who knows Portugal could have lost that match if Ronaldo played the whole match. Once he was out, the team played well with freedom, selfless, for Portugal not for Ronaldo and won the euro
Why are u Messi fans always behave like this?
Don Zayo
0
Egocentric Ronaldo should learn! Have always loved him as a Manchester United fan but truth be told his attitude is making him repulsive. For those with calmer nature they won’t have choice but to love Messi but those with opposite nature will defend Ronaldo. Messi is like the calm Old school songs and Ronaldo like contemporary one
Ronaldo was in that Euro team when they won. The problem is the new boys who want fame and spotlight instead of being loyal
Don Zayo
1
it was a very selfish comment Ronaldo made that Portugal won nothing before Cristiano. the fact is that he didn't even played the final match against France....who knows Portugal could have lost that match if Ronaldo played the whole match. Once he was out, the team played well with freedom, selfless, for Portugal not for Ronaldo and won the euro
Stupid comment just like how you think
Zowcmnopry
3
No one will ever watch them play
Ponpha_Nyimlim
1
it was a very selfish comment Ronaldo made that Portugal won nothing before Cristiano. the fact is that he didn't even played the final match against France....who knows Portugal could have lost that match if Ronaldo played the whole match. Once he was out, the team played well with freedom, selfless, for Portugal not for Ronaldo and won the euro
Ksjsjddk
0
@gallasyommy You never loved him and you’re a lier, nobody in this world can boldly say that he or she doesn’t have egos and that’s human nature. Some are good at hiding it and the opposite for others, and it doesn’t mean they’re repulsive people. I don’t know where you getting your ideas from but you’re far from being right cuz even Messi himself will say why Ronaldo is saying if he was to be in his shoes. He’s just lucky the system is favoring him and therefore he doesn’t need to talk much rather people like you defend him, which is not bad cuz we humans have our preferences. Your comment highlights how dumb you are and mean you are to the opposite and I don’t believe you never liked him like you claim to do. You’re just one of those brainwashed Messi fans and you’re a shame to football
U said a whole lot of nonsense thinking u’re making some sense, Messi has every right to say watever he wants cox he has a lot of proof, but he chooses to honor his teammates and acknowledge everyone involved that is how it’s supposed to be, not downgrade the efforts of others because u want to be relevant. In fact I don’t blame u cox u all that applaud this kind of behavior are all mentally retarded.
Peaabeoty
2
Egocentric Ronaldo should learn! Have always loved him as a Manchester United fan but truth be told his attitude is making him repulsive. For those with calmer nature they won’t have choice but to love Messi but those with opposite nature will defend Ronaldo. Messi is like the calm Old school songs and Ronaldo like contemporary one
@gallasyommy You never loved him and you’re a lier, nobody in this world can boldly say that he or she doesn’t have egos and that’s human nature. Some are good at hiding it and the opposite for others, and it doesn’t mean they’re repulsive people. I don’t know where you getting your ideas from but you’re far from being right cuz even Messi himself will say why Ronaldo is saying if he was to be in his shoes. He’s just lucky the system is favoring him and therefore he doesn’t need to talk much rather people like you defend him, which is not bad cuz we humans have our preferences. Your comment highlights how dumb you are and mean you are to the opposite and I don’t believe you never liked him like you claim to do. You’re just one of those brainwashed Messi fans and you’re a shame to football
wecacimnty
1
if Portugal wants to win,kick Bruno from the team,the most selfish player i have ever seen
Ronaldo need to leave the team asap...he is the only hindrance to this new Portugal national team
Mwewaman
1
if Portugal wants to win,kick Bruno from the team,the most selfish player i have ever seen
It's Ronaldo that needs to go. And it's Ronaldo who is the most selfish player you will ever see.
Mezdkmsyz
0
Egocentric Ronaldo should learn! Have always loved him as a Manchester United fan but truth be told his attitude is making him repulsive. For those with calmer nature they won’t have choice but to love Messi but those with opposite nature will defend Ronaldo. Messi is like the calm Old school songs and Ronaldo like contemporary one
Very well said🙌🏼
Secikmrtyz
6
if Portugal wants to win,kick Bruno from the team,the most selfish player i have ever seen
Abdul0fficer
1
but but Portugal didn't have talents they are just averages players. now the mastermind of that euro triumph debunked what some one fan based claim.and emphasized, did you hear him it's WE no I.despite having a highly talented players.it's unity.
gallasyommy
5
Egocentric Ronaldo should learn! Have always loved him as a Manchester United fan but truth be told his attitude is making him repulsive. For those with calmer nature they won’t have choice but to love Messi but those with opposite nature will defend Ronaldo. Messi is like the calm Old school songs and Ronaldo like contemporary one
Fapdmnpstu
5
That was a tackle to Ronaldo’s comments. Unity. Good Santos issued this.