Euro 2016: Dimitri Payet insists injuring Cristiano Ronaldo 'wasn't intentional'

The 31-year-old left the pitch just 25 minutes into the showpiece final after a heavy challenge

Dimitri Payet checks on Cristiano Ronaldo after his heavy challenge (Getty)

Dimitri Payet has denied claims he deliberately injured Cristiano Ronaldo during the Euro 2016 final before Portugal went on to win their first major honour in his absence at the Stade de France.

The 31-year-old left the pitch just 25 minutes into the showpiece final after a heavy challenge by France’s Payet in the early stages in Paris, with Ronaldo being forced to watch the action from the side-lines after receiving treatment in the changing room.

Payet has been subjected to abuse online in the aftermath, despite Portugal eventually emerging victorious in added-time, while the Portuguese contingent in the stadium also booed his every touch during the match.

“I came in for a tackle, full stop,” Payet told reporters at full-time. “I got the ball back, but if I hurt him it wasn't intentional - it's not in my nature to be a nasty player on the pitch. There's no question about that.”

Despite losing their talisman so early, Portugal frustrated hosts France for long periods before hitting them with a 109th minute winner from former Swansea City striker Eder.

At full-time, Portugal boss Fernando Santos said: “First of all I'd like to thank God for being with us, my wife, my mother, my grandson. My father wherever he is, he's probably having a few beers.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is an amazing example. Today he tried to remain on the pitch.

“He was very strong in the locker room, he helped all of the boys, that's the definition of teamwork.

“We have a bright future but right now we need to celebrate.”