Cristiano Ronaldo heaped praise on Lamine Yamal after Portugal defeated Spain in the Nations League final on Sunday.
Amid much speculation surrounding his future at club level Ronaldo was once again integral for his country as they defeated their Iberian rivals on penalties in a thrilling clash.
With Spain leading at the start of the second half, Ronaldo netted his 132nd international goal on the hour mark to put his side back in level terms.
Following the game Ronaldo was visibly emotional, and insisted it was ‘always special’ to win silverware for his country.
The 40-year-old also commented on Spain’s teenage talisman Yamal, as the Barcelona forward looks set to inherit the throne he and Lionel Messi have shared for more than a decade.
Despite the 17-year-old’s impressive accolades at both club and international level, Ronaldo stressed the need for patience as Yamal continues to develop.
Cristiano Ronaldo heaped praise on Lamine Yamal after Sunday’s Nations League final
The former Man United star urged for patience with Yamal at such an early point in his career
Ronaldo also addressed speculation surrounding his future at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr
‘He’s only 17, and already he’s showing incredible talent,’ Ronaldo said of Yamal. ‘He’s going to win a lot of titles, both collective and individual. He is a phenomenon.’
He continued: ‘But we have to leave him alone, that’s what I ask.
‘He has a very long career ahead of him and will surely win the Nations League many times.’
Though he remains key for Portugal more than two decades after his international debut, Ronaldo’s future at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr is less clear.
The lucrative deal he signed after his return to Manchester United ended in acrimony is due to expire at the end of June and it remains to be seen if he will be at Al-Awwal Park next season.
Even FIFA president Gianni Infantino suggested that a summer transfer could be on the cards, with organisers reportedly keen on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner appearing at the revamped Club World Cup.
However, speaking on Sunday Ronaldo appeared to indicate that he won’t be going anywhere ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
‘We knew it was going to be difficult but we deserved it and this gives us confidence and allows us to go to the World Cup with more confidence,’ he said.
‘Future? It won’t change anything. Al-Nassr, yes.’