Portugal squad arrive home to heroes welcome

Thousands of fans greeted Euro 2016 champions Portugal as they landed in Lisbon on Monday after their victory over France in the final of Euro 2016.

Coach Fernando Santos and captain Cristiano Ronaldo were greeted by rapturous applause from the 5,000-strong crowd as they held up the cup.

The team met Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who said he would honour them with an award for distinguished acts of public service.

“We won the European Championship, even with all the economic, social, political and cultural problems. And there is a difference. The difference is your example. An example that shows how to win with courage, determination, ability to fight, humility and team spirit. That is the difference. The difference between yesterday and today is that today we have more reasons thanks to you guys to believe in Portugal. Long live Portugal!,” he excitedly said.

The winning team paraded the trophy in the streets of Lisbon before addressing supporters at the fanzone in the capital.

Reuters