Cristiano Ronaldo carried off of pitch with knee injury in Euro Cup final

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was carried off on a stretcher in the 25th minute of the European Championship final.

Ronaldo injured his left knee after France midfielder Dimitri Payet clattered into him near the halfway line in the seventh minute. After treatment, the Real Madrid star tried to play on, but even with his knee bandaged he eventually sat down and called to be substituted.

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READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal to 2-0 win vs Wales, into Euro final

Portugal medical staff bandaged their captain’s knee on the sideline and he returned to the game for a few minutes, but was unable to continue.

Ronaldo was replaced by Ricardo Quaresma. The Portugal captain was taken off after handing his armband to Nani.

France dominated early and Antoine Griezmann came close to adding to his tournament-leading six goals with a looping header that Rui Patricio athletically tipped over his bar.

READ MORE: France beats Germany 2-0 to head to Euro 2016 finals

Portugal ended up winning the 2016 European Championship, after substitute Eder scored in extra time to give his team a 1-0 win over France.