The decision seemed to enrage the Middlesbrough bench but Ronaldo was unapologetic for what he believes was a clear foul.

He told Sky Sports 1: “For me it is a penalty. Why when Cristiano is involved is it always polemic?

“Of course I felt contact, that is why I slipped. He touched.

“If he touches me I lose my movement and that is why I go down. He kicked me.”

Asked if he knew why controversial decisions seemed to follow him, he said: “I don’t know why. Maybe some people don’t like me. Maybe I’m too good.”

Ronaldo also backed his side to go all the way in the tournament.

“We’ll go to the semi-finals and I’m happy.

“When you play Watford – and these are all difficult games – if you have a good team then you have a good chance to get to the final.

“I feel confident. I’m in good form and the team is very good too.”

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate admitted emotions had spilled over following the penalty award, but added: ``The referee felt it was and he gave it, end of story.

“Ronaldo is a fantastic player and is very, very good at what he does.

“I’m sure lots of things are said in the heat of the moment. Yes, we lost our discipline in the last five minutes and that’s not acceptable, but my players have given me everything.

“There were some fantastic performances, we have come to the best team in the country and run them all the way.”

James Morrison was sent off in the closing stages for a foul on Ronaldo and Southgate added on Sky Sports 1: “He’s young and will learn the lesson, you have to be mature enough to hold your ground.”