Uefa Nations League

“Unique milestone”

Updated on 06.09.2024, 08:26

Cristiano Ronaldo suddenly becomes emotional while celebrating. © HANZA MEDIA/IMAGO/Damir Krajac / CROPIX

For his fans, Cristiano Ronaldo is the “GOAT” – the greatest of all time. Now the Portuguese has achieved another record, which he is particularly pleased about.

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When Cristiano Ronaldo volleyed the ball into the net, his emotions burst out. The five-time World Footballer sprinted to the corner flag, held his hands in front of his face, sank to the ground – and hardly seemed to believe it himself: his goal against Croatia was the 900th goal of his unique career.

Incredible quota in international matches

“It means a lot to me because it was a unique milestone in my career,” said Ronaldo after the perfect start to the Nations League for himself and his Portuguese against Croatia (2:1). The 39-year-old, who came away empty-handed at the EURO in Germany and was much criticized, scored the interim 2:0 (34th) in Group A1 against the World Cup third-place team. CR7 thus extended his world goal record to 131 in his 213th international match.

I don’t break records. Records are what haunt me

Cristiano Ronaldo

The 900 mark is a number “that I have wanted to reach for a long time,” said Ronaldo. His records are the result of hard work. “Records come by themselves,” he said. “I don’t break records. Records are what haunt me.”

Ronaldo, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is far from satisfied. “I have already won two trophies with Portugal and any more would be spectacular. That motivates me, I want to enjoy football – every moment,” said the veteran star. He did that against Croatia, for everyone to see. (SID/edited by phs)

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