Dimitri Payet has finally opened up for the first time regarding that horrific tackle on Cristiano Ronaldo in the finals of the European Championship in France. The French midfielder collided with Ronaldo at Stade de France on Sunday, and the Portugal captain had to be sent off after fruitless attempts to have him fit for the remainder of the match.
Watch the controversial tackle below:
Payet collides with Ronaldo in the Euro 2016 finals in France on Sunday
A tearful Ronaldo was escorted off the pitch on a stretcher, an incident that broke the hearts of millions of Portugal fans across the globe. But the Real Madrid star made a sensational u-turn when he took to the touchline to help coach Fernando Santos in issuing instructions to Seleccao players. The result was a 1-0 victory by Portugal, which also handed them their first ever European Championship title.
Luis Nani (right) consoles Ronaldo after the latter picked up an injury after colliding with the West Ham United midfielder
Payet was on the receiving end as some fans blamed him and Les Bleus at large for plotting to injure Ronaldo, while hoping to cruise to an easy victory over Santos’ men. Ronaldo mother also blasted the West Ham United midfielder with an emotional tweet.
Ronaldo in pain after picking up an injury in the Euro 2016 finals
But speaking after the final, the 29-year-old revealed that the tackle was not intentional. He said:
"No, it was a challenge, that's all, period
''I regained the possession and if I hurt him it was not intentional.
"It's not in my nature to be a bad guy on the pitch. There is no question about it."
