While not among the Ballon d’Or nominees this year, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to set the bar even higher in the record books.
Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his pride in scoring his 850th career goal.
Last Saturday, Ronaldo scored Al Nassr’s fourth goal to help seal a 5-1 away win over Al Hazem in the Saudi Pro League.
It was the 850th time Ronaldo had found the back of the net in his career. He never thought he could reach these numbers, but now that he has, he’s hungry for more.
“It’s a historic landmark,” the 38-year-old said in a press conference on Wednesday.
“For me, it was a source of pride the numbers I achieved, which I didn’t think I could reach. But I want more. While playing the game, the bar has to be high, thinking big.”
‘I was the pioneer and I am proud of it’
That said, Ronaldo’s achievements go beyond just his personal records. He’s also become a pioneer for other star players who have joined the Saudi Pro League. Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Riyad Mahrez are just some of the big names who have signed up.
“I knew this was going to happen,” Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in January from Manchester United, said.
“I said it six months ago, and everyone thought I was the crazy one. But, after all, the crazy guy is not that crazy, and it turns out to be normal to play in the Arab league.”
“I was the pioneer, and I am proud of it,” he added.
“What I want most is to continue to always evolve, so that [the league] is top-notch.”
Ronaldo is on Portugal duty on Friday for a Euro 2024 qualifier away to Slovakia.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Portugal
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
