It was Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to take the final penalty for Portugal during their Euro 2012 semi-final shootout defeat against Spain, winger Nani has claimed.

 

Ronaldo was slated to take Portugal’s fifth and final penalty against the Spanish, but after Joao Moutinho and Bruno Alves missed, never had the opportunity as La Roja sealed a 4-2 victory.

 

Nani scored his own penalty for the Portuguese, after a mix up with Alves which saw the Zenit St. Petersburg defender sent back and take Portugal’s next spot-kick after the Manchester United winger.

 

Why Ronaldo was not further up the penalty pecking order has been the subject of much debate, given the likelihood of him converting.

 

But being placed last was the Real Madrid man’s choice.

 

"Ronaldo specifically asked to take the final penalty", said Nani.

 

"I told the coach that I would accept taking mine in any position.

 

"It is not a problem for me because the lottery of penalties is just luck and we certainly did not deserve to go out like that."

 

Portugal’s brave performance has nevertheless been saluted in the country, with the players cheered as they arrived back from Poland/Ukraine.

 

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