Football Classic: Ferguson hugging CR7 after Portugal triumph in Euro 2016 final

After Portugal won the Euro 2016 final, Ferguson - waiting in the crowd as the players walked down the steps - embraced Cristiano Ronaldo after he led Portugal to European Championship glory.

Ronaldo lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy after Portugal stunned hosts France by claiming a 1-0 extra-time win courtesy of Eder's 109th minute strike.

Although Real Madrid ace Ronaldo was stretchered off after just 24 minutes of the match, he inspired his team-mates to victory with a series of inspirational pep-talks and loud instructions from the touchline.

After holding aloft the trophy at full-time, Ronaldo was greeted by his former United boss as he walked down the stairs at the Stade de France.

Ferguson shouted "Cristiano" to catch the 31-year-old's attention and he was clearly delighted to see his former boss.

The pair shared a hug and a few quiet words in each other's ears as both men stood with beaming smiles on their faces.

Ferguson also offered congratulations to Nani, who also played under him at Old Trafford, and Real Madrid centre-back Pepe.

After the emotion settled down, Ronaldo toasted Portugal's win, claiming that the Selecao long deserved their dramatic victory.

And speaking afterwards, he revealed just how much finally achieving success with his national team meant to him.

"No one believed in us," he said. "I had already won everything with clubs. I lacked something with the national team. Portugal have deserved this after many years of sacrifice.

"It was not the final I wanted, but I am very happy. It is a trophy for all the Portuguese, for all immigrants, all the people who believed in us, so I am very happy and very proud."