Cristiano Ronaldo demanded last penalty against Spain, reveals Nani
Portugal winger Nani has revealed that his captain Cristiano Ronaldo demanded to take the last penalty against Spain in the Euro 2012 semifinal shootout.
Since a failed attempt of Joao Moutinho and Bruno Alves, Real Madrid star denied the opportunity to take part in the drama-spot kicks, with the winner advancing after a goal that ultimately determines Cesc Fabregas' sealed the victory 4-2.
Manchester United man said there was no controversy regarding the selection and order of penalty takers, but that Ronaldo wants to take the fifth kick.
"I do not think there is any dispute or any mistake," declared 25-year-old to the Times of India. "Cristiano demanded last sentence. I told coach I will accept any order. It does not seem to be a problem for me, because the penalty shoot-out is all about luck and we did not deserve to lose like that."
Although out in the last four, Nani Paulo Bento feel that he can be proud of their efforts in Poland and Ukraine.
"We definitely left the tournament disappointed because we came so close, but we also can have some satisfaction in what we do there.
"We really gave everything we had. We showed a lot of quality. In the end Spain just to have more luck than we did because when it comes to punishment that is all about.
"They are a great champion in the semifinals but I think we deserved to beat them. So people in Portugal can be proud of the team. We are very sad because we deserved to be in the finals - but we came home with head held high," he concluded.
Spain went on to beat Italy 4-0 in the final to claim the three major international trophy in a row.