Portugal benefited from Cristiano Ronaldo's injury during the European Championship final this summer, says former France international Eric Abidal.

Ronaldo went down with a knee issue early in the match, leaving his Portugal teammates without their captain and star player against hosts France. However, Fabio Santos' men managed to overcome the absence and win the match through an Eder strike in extra-time.

And Abidal says Ronaldo's exit relieved the team of having to play a supporting role for the three-time Ballon d'Or winner on such a big occasion.

Cristiano Ronaldo was injured in Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph this summer. FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

"Ronaldo was out because he was injured -- it was a problem for France and an advantage for Portugal," Abidal told Grup 14 on Friday.

"Portugal were more relaxed without Ronaldo. The players there normally play for Ronaldo, but without him the team spirit is different, there was no stress.

"But for France, it was a shock because Ronaldo is not on the pitch. We have to fight more.

"Look who scored the goal for Portugal, some guy from the back [of the pecking order] who had never played before."