Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Rich Jones

Why Nemanja Matic waited outside dressing room for Cristiano Ronaldo after game

Manchester United star Nemanja Matic waited outside the Portugal dressing room for Cristiano Ronaldo - so his kids could meet their idol.

Matic and Ronaldo were rivals on the pitch as Portugal claimed a 4-2 win over Serbia in an exciting Euro 2020 qualifier in Belgrade.

But despite his disappointment at the result, Matic avoided a quick getaway from the stadium in order to share a moment with Ronaldo.

He was filmed waiting outside and shaking Ronaldo's hand as he emerged, introducing him to his two sons and taking a photo of them with the Juventus superstar.

Ronaldo was happy to oblige - going one better than the video message he sent Matic's son, Filip, last year.

(Twitter)

Ronaldo bagged his 89th international goal in the game as they came on strong late on to secure a crucial away win.

The result leaves Portugal second in Group B, eight points behind leaders Ukraine, and manager Fernando Santos congratulated his players on the result having been surprised by Serbia's attacking approach.

(Twitter)

"Serbia surprised me. I thought they would play boldly and offensively," he said.

"Meanwhile, they played defensively, like the first match.

"It complicated the game, it was more difficult for us to create goal opportunity situations.

(Twitter)

"However, we were the dominant team the whole time. I can congratulate the players on a deserved victory."

Matic, meanwhile, is hoping he can play an increased role for Manchester United when he returns from international duty.

He came on as a substitute in their recent game against Southampton , playing his first 22 minutes of the Premier League season in a 1-1 draw.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.