A PORTUGUESE ex-pat from Walney has spoken of his pride after his country beat host nation France to win the European Championships.

Avelino Goncalves, 40, managed to watch the game at the Stagger Inn in Stainton with Adgardley, Barrow, where he works as an area manager.

He said: "I was working at the time so it was quite stressful to watch, but I was very impressed with how we performed and couldn't be happier winning as the underdog in the final."

"Because I am the manager all the staff like to go against me just to wind me up but they all congratulated me after the final whistle and said that Portugal fully deserved it."

Portugal, who finished third in their group and only won one match in normal time all tournament, secured the win on Sunday after a long-range strike from substitute Eder found its way into the bottom corner.

Mr Goncalves admitted that Portugal had rode their luck through the competition but that nothing should be taken away from his country's crowning glory.

He said: "It was really emotional to see us lift the trophy and to get the win from a player like Eder who doesn't even play all of the time and without Ronaldo made it extra special.

"The World Cup in 2018 will be the last tournament with the likes of Ronaldo, Pepe and Nani and I think we will do well again. With this strong backbone of current players and with some fresh blood coming through there is no reason why we can't do well in the future."

The 40-year-old also thinks that there is still hope for England's football team in the future despite a disappointing showing at this year's competition.

He added: "Their players need a manager with more guts. They have lots of good young players and the future is still bright for them in my opinion."

Can Portugal win the World Cup in 2018?
Yes
No