Cristiano Ronaldo was confident that he would go past 900 goals in his career and has no plans of slowing down with a "spectacular" future in sight.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Ronaldo netted 900th goal against CroatiaPortuguese talisman gunning for moreEyeing 1,000 career goals nextWHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo’s 900th goal came in a fittingly dramatic fashion during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League triumph over Croatia in Lisbon. The iconic forward found the back of the net in the 34th minute, converting a pinpoint cross from Nuno Mendes which not only helped secure victory for Portugal but also sent the packed Estádio da Luz into rapturous celebration.
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
At just 17 years old, he announced himself to the world with a goal in a league match against Moreirense in 2002. That goal marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that has taken him to the pinnacle of football across Europe and beyond. His 900th goal marks a culmination of nearly 22 years of excellence, during which he has established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
WHAT RONALDO SAID
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo opened up about the effort and perseverance it took to reach this historic moment.
“Only me and the people around me know how difficult it is to work daily to be physically and psychologically well and reach goal 900,” he said.
"It's a unique milestone in my career and it was with a lot of emotion that I celebrated that goal. It represents a lot. It was the number I wanted to achieve for a long time and I knew I would achieve it because, as I continue to play, it would happen naturally. I already won two trophies for Portugal, something I really wanted. Whatever comes next is spectacular. I dreamed of this and I have more dreams."
DID YOU KNOW?
While reaching 900 goals is a historic feat in itself, Ronaldo has his eyes set on an even loftier target—1,000 goals. The veteran striker has made it clear that he intends to play for as long as possible, stating that his dream is to reach the 1,000-goal milestone before he retires.