Mere moments after one of the lowest points in his career, Cristiano Ronaldo retained the grace and class to give a desperate young fan a memory to cherish.
Ronaldo tried his heart out for Portugal last night, but it was not enough.
For the second game in succession at Euro 2016, he called the ball on himself and rained shots on and off target.
He was denied a tap-in with eight minutes on the clock but awarded a penalty in consolation. He had missed three of his previous four spot-kicks for club and country but there was no way he was not taking this one.
The Austrian goalkeeper was sent the wrong way but Ronaldo’s effort cannoned off the post. He sunk his face into his hands and hopelessly cursed. Then he jogged back and started again.
Redemption was denied by the linesman’s flag as a headed goal was chalked off. 0-0 at the final whistle and Portugal are on the brink of elimination if they can’t turnover Hungary over.
As he loped towards to changing rooms, a pitch invader in a black t-shirt shot across the field and got close enough to reach out for him. Security intervened just in time and the fan looked as distraught as his idol.
Ronaldo then put aside his personal disappointment.
He put aside the hurt and patiently waited as the supporter nervously fumbled with his phone.
He may talk thrash about the minnows, he may rip off his jersey at any and every opportunity and he may be reluctant to celebrate with teammates but he has a heart. He may divide opinion but he has time for those that grew up like him – avid dreamers; fans of football.
For one man, a night to forget.
For the other, a picture to remember.
