Young Portugal fan consoles crying Frenchman

AS THIS distraught man stood weeping after the Euro 2016 final, a young fan came to his aid with the most heart-warming gesture.

This young Portugal fan showed maturity well beyond his years.

TIME and time again, the world of sport throws us a reminder that we are not that different from our international rivals.

Among the mixed emotions of Portuguese elation and French heartbreak, the Euro 2016 final produced a moment that typifies the way in which sport can unite people.

Following the final whistle, a distraught Frenchman was filmed weeping in the middle of the Paris fan-zone. As the crushing reality of the extra-time defeat hit him, a young Portugal fan appeared by his side.

The boy, who looked to be no older than 10, grabbed the hand of the man and attempted to offer some words of support.

Clearly overwhelmed by the youngster’s compassion, the man then reached down and gave the boy a hug before exiting the park.

Watch the moment in the player below.

Showing maturity well beyond his years, this youngster captured the true meaning of the game, and showed that at the end of the day, it is just that — a game.

RONALDO’S MUM DELIVERS STERN TWITTER SLAM

IT SEEMS you’re never too old to have your mum stick up for you.

In a heartbreaking first half, Cristiano Ronaldo was sidelined by a heavy tackle from French midfielder Dimitri Payet in the eighth minute. The Portuguese captain lasted until the 25th minute, but exited in tears — much to the dread of his mother.

Ronaldo’s mum Dolores Aveiro took to Twitter to slam the French opposition for needlessly rough play. Translated from Portuguese, her tweet read: “I cannot see my son in this way. The game is to kick the ball and not hurt the opponent.

“My son left the field but our selection can win. I trust that we will be able to raise the cup.”

Indeed, Aveiro proved to be correct as Portugal went on to defeat France in extra time without their superstar to become European champions.

Eu não posso vê-lo desta forma o meu filho. O jogo é chutar a bola e não ferir o adversário.#Euro2016Final pic.twitter.com/TQ7u4ercpf

— Dolores Aveiro (@DoloresAveiro) July 10, 2016

O meu filho abandonou o campo mas a nossa seleção pode ganhar.Confio que vamos poder levantar a 🏆🇵🇹 #Euro2016Final pic.twitter.com/w5mZVw0zvB

— Dolores Aveiro (@DoloresAveiro) July 10, 2016

Ronaldo was given a standing ovation from both Portugal and France supporters as he was stretchered off by support staff after fighting with his injury for almost 20 minutes.

Ronaldo grimaces in agony as medical staff attend to his injury.

His commitment to the cup did not end there however, giving an “unbelievable” half-time speech to his teammates. Portugal full-back Cedric Soares revealed the atmosphere inside the dressing room after a concerning first half.

“It was a very tough moment. I remember, for me and the team, everybody was a little bit in shock I think.

“He had fantastic words for each player in each moment of the game ... I’m really, really happy to be part of this group and be champion,” he said.

Despite being distraught at missing his country’s final, Ronaldo immediately kicked back into gear as a source of inspiration for his fellow players.

“He was fantastic. His attitude was unbelievable. Always he helped a lot our teammates, he always had a lot of motivational words and all the team of course reacted to them, so it was very good,” Soares said.

Ronaldo raises the 2016 Euro Cup in post-match celebrations.

Acting in tandem alongside head coach Fernando Santos, Ronaldo helped guide the team with instructions and analysis from the bench as an effective assistant manager.

Despite the drama, Portugal were able to seal the deal with a stunning long range goal by Éder in the 109th minute.

The final will go down in history as Portugal’s first international title after denying France yet another victory on home soil.