The defender deserved to win the Player of the
Tournament accolade after playing a decisive role in
Portugal's Euros triumph, according to the Real Madrid
superstar
Cristiano Ronaldo believes Portugal and Real Madrid team-mate
Pepe should have been named the Player of the Tournament at
Euro 2016 ahead of Antoine Griezmann.
France international Griezmann netted six goals along with two
assists to scoop the best player prize and the Golden Boot, but his
side were beaten by Portugal in the final of the competition.
Pepe was central to that triumph, and Ronaldo - who featured
alongside him in the Team of the Tournament - claims the 33-
year-old defender would have been a worthier winner.
"In my book, Pepe was extraordinary this year," he told
UEFA.com . "It was possibly his best season.
"He was undoubtedly Portugal's best player and one of Real
Madrid's best players in the Champions League.
"I'm delighted he was selected in the Team of the Tournament at
the Euros – in my opinion Pepe was the best player at the Euros."
Ronaldo is on a three-man shortlist for UEFA's Best Player in
Europe award, along with Madrid colleague Gareth Bale and
Griezmann, with the winner due to be announced on Thursday.
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