Heartwarming moment Cristiano Ronaldo helps a disabled child onto the pitch before Portugal's Euro 2024 warm-up clash against Ireland... before Al-Nassr star holds her hand throughout the national anthem from jpo paul sabatier Watch Video

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✓ Published: 12-Jun-2024

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Cameras caught the heartwarming moment when Cristiano Ronaldo helped a disabled child onto the pitch before Portugal's final Euro 2024 warm-up clash.<br/><br/>The Al-Nassr star was named in the starting line-up for their match against Ireland on Tuesday evening as they step up their preparations for this summer's tournament.<br/><br/>While many had expected Ronaldo to make headlines during the game, it was his actions before the match that caught attention.<br/><br/>In a clip posted onto X, Ronaldo was seen helping a disabled mascot - who was in a wheelchair - onto the pitch for the game at the Estadio Municipal de Aveiro.<br/><br/>Then, in a separate clip posted on the social media platform, Ronaldo was seen holding her hand throughout Portugal's national anthem.<br/><br/>His pre-match actions must have served as good luck for their clash against Ireland after he found the back of the net in the second half with a tremendous strike.<br/><br/>The 39-year-old collected the ball on the right side before cutting in and unleashing an unstoppable effort into the top-left corner of the Ireland goal.<br/><br/>He then doubled his tally for the evening by scoring another left-footed effort, which sailed into the top-right corner after the veteran was picked out inside the box. <br/><br/>Earlier in the game, Ronaldo had struck the post with a long-range free-kick that had looked destined to nestle in the back of the net. <br/><br/>In recent days, some have questioned whether Ronaldo should be included in Portugal's opening group games in Germany this summer - with Arsenal legend Paul Merson stating that he would bench the five-time Champions League winner for the group stages.<br/><br/>But, speaking ahead of their clash against Ireland, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez insisted the veteran forward remains in his plans.<br/><br/>'Tomorrow we have Rúben [Dias], Pepe and Cristiano. It's a perfect game to give minutes to the starters, but they will have minutes,' the Portugal boss said during a press conference on Monday.<br/><br/>Ronaldo has also been in fine form for his club side this season, scoring 44 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for Al-Nassr and Martinez emphasized his experience and leadership qualities are integral to this team.<br/><br/>'It is important for us to attack and defend with eleven. Cristiano has a brutal experience. There is no other with this experience. He is a player who knows very well how to use space in the area and is a special finisher, a special player.<br/><br/>'Cristiano's focus, reaction to loss, and defensive positions were perfect during the games we played, the last eleven games. So for me, there are no doubts, there are no worries.'