Former FC Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has controversially claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo's injury in the 2016 European Championship final helped Portugal win the tournament.
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The Frenchman, who went up against Ronaldo as a rival in Spain for years, believes the Portuguese's injury in the final against France benefited his team as they no longer had to play for him.
"France had a good tournament, they were unlucky because if Gignac scored, then it would have been finished, give us the trophy," Abidal said, according to Grup14.
"Ronaldo was out because he was injured and it was a problem for France and an advantage for Portugal.
"Portugal was more relaxed without Ronaldo, the players there normally play for Ronaldo but without him the team spirit is different, and there was no stress.
"But for France, it was a shock because Ronaldo is not on the pitch, we have to fight more.
"Look who scored the goal for Portugal, some guy from the back who has never played before. This is football, when it's your time then it's your time."
Lille striker Eder scored the winner for Portugal in extra time, handing his nation their first ever major tournament trophy.
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