Cristiano Ronaldo: 'He unites all' - why 'symbol' Ronaldo is Portugal's star draw

Before Portugal's first match in the European Championship against the Czech Republic, many people were paying a lot of attention to 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. However, as often happens in Germany, it was a young player who took the spotlight.

The shirts with 'Ronaldo 7' were seen all over Leipzig prior to the match, with supporters getting ready to celebrate the veteran striker's sixth participation in the European Championship.

Certainly, they were expecting him to score a goal. However, it didn't happen that way. Instead, it was Francisco Conceicao, who's younger than Ronaldo by 18 years, who scored the game-winning goal in a thrilling match as Portugal started off their Group F journey by beating their opponents 2-1.

After making his debut in a competitive match, he took his first touch and it pleased ex-England forward Alan Shearer tremendously.

During an interview on BBC One, he stated that being a substitute player requires you to step up and make a difference. Your task is to alter the course of the game.

Danny Murphy, who used to play for Liverpool, expressed his amazement by saying "What an incredible tale!"

I remember exclaiming, "In just three minutes as a replacement, what can you achieve?" However, although the ball was fortunate to deflect in his favor, he wasn't about to let the opportunity slip away.

Conceicao, whose father is a former Portugal player named Sergio, had a very memorable moment that he shared with Ronaldo, who was very happy about it. Ronaldo jumped in excitement and gave high-fives to his teammates.

According to Roberto Martinez, head of Portugal's team, the young player earned his well-deserved triumph.

"He is a perfect instance of how hard work pays off," he remarked.

"He definitely belongs here and demonstrated his ability to assist the team. He exhibited admirable traits and proved his value through being granted the opportunity to remain in this setting."

Ronaldo, who is currently 39 years old, is nearing the end of his career as a top player. However, he may feel encouraged by the fact that his teammate Pepe, who is 41 years old, is still able to perform at a high level. There may still be a few major tournaments left in Ronaldo's future.

Many people who criticize him believe that he is a hindrance to Portugal's starting team. They say that he attracts too much attention and slows down the attack.

However, after conversing with Portuguese supporters in Leipzig prior to the match on Tuesday, it became apparent that most hold a differing viewpoint.

One supporter praised him as being "the greatest on the planet", whereas Marta stated that Ronaldo's impact on the squad transcends his actions during the game.

According to her, he remains significant as he possesses the drive, enthusiasm, and ability to bring the team together.

He holds significance not only within the team but also outside of it. He serves as a representation that brings everyone together.

Although he couldn't manage to score against the Czech Republic, he did get some opportunities to do so. He had two shots in the first half which were saved by the goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek, and in the second half, his header missed the target after it hit the defender's foot.

He continues to be a popular player, and when Portugal had a free-kick 25 yards away from the goal, fans stood up and got their phones ready to take pictures of the moment. However, Ronaldo's kick was easily caught by Stanek.

However, his fellow team members believe that the knowledge and skills he can share with the team are more valuable than his ability to score goals.

According to Bruno Fernandes, who is a midfielder for Manchester United, we are all aware that it is crucial to have players who have had plenty of experience, such as Cristiano Ronaldo.

Actually, Pepe is likely the most skilled player in the entire competition. It's common knowledge that he's indispensable to our team.

Ronaldo is one of the top players of all time and he still has a lot to give to this sport.

"No matter what happens, whether Ronaldo has a good game or the team has a good game, he always manages to create an opportunity," commented ex-Spanish footballer Cesc Fabregas in an interview on BBC One.

He places a lot of importance on self-care. He only requires a brief moment of personal space in order to make an opportunity. His performance in general has improved significantly compared to the previous few years.

Meanwhile, Shearer expressed admiration for Ronaldo's determination, but he hinted that in certain matches, Ronaldo may need to accept a smaller part for the sake of the collective.

According to him, the acceptance of the fact that he cannot participate in every game for 90 minutes would be fundamental for Portugal to achieve victory in the tournament. This acknowledgement can greatly contribute to their triumph, he concluded.

After playing games and waking up with an urge to play again, despite feeling soreness and discomfort, you still have the determination and drive to become the greatest.

People have nothing but praise for the way he carries himself, it's absolutely remarkable.

Before the tournament, Ronaldo expressed his admiration for the current crop of Portugal players, stating that they were more than capable of winning the competition and emulating their previous success in 2016.

The remarks made and his happy reaction to Conceicao's winning goal indicate that he prioritizes the team's well-being over his own. This is a promising sign that Portugal has the potential to succeed in Germany.