Portugal might have been chasing an equaliser in one of the most frustrating games of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career but he proved his class with a great gesture to a fellow professional.
In the past, we’ve seen the petulant side of Ronaldo when things weren’t going his way but he provided us with one of the moments of the World Cup so far when he guided Edinson Cavani off the pitch in the 72nd minute.
After scoring two wonderful goals either end of a Pepe header, Cavani picked up an injury and was unable to continue in the Round of 16 game between Uruguay and Portugal.
It was clear that the Uruguayan centre-forward wasn’t just wasting time as he motioned to the bench that it was not simply a knock that he could shake off.
And as he limped off the pitch, he was given a helping hand courtesy of Portugal’s captain.
Respect 👊@Cristiano and @ECavaniOfficial
Watch the World Cup LIVE on @ITV pic.twitter.com/V7muxsFsIJ
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 30, 2018
Cavani was replaced by Cristhian Stuani for the remainder of the game as Uruguay held on to their 2-1 lead and secured a quarter-final fixture with France.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, will have to be content with a last 16 finish in what could well be his final World Cup.
One wouldn’t be surprised to see the 33-year-old still playing in 2022 but, in all likelihood, his boots will have been hung up by that point.
