Ronaldo announces new world record

Cristiano Ronaldo was denied his 100th international goal for Portugal once again, but the superstar still had an unusual need to speak. “As you know, I don’t usually talk much to the press,” the 34-year-old said, then the exceptional striker had a lot to say.

Normally, the capricious eccentric would have gone over to the agenda without comment after the unadorned 2-0 (1:0) victory in Luxembourg, this time it was different. “It was our goal to come to the EM. We did that, and I’m happy to be there for the fifth time,” said the goal scorer, who scored against the hosts for his home country for the 99th time.

He is only ten goals short of the world record set by Iranian Ali Daei, who scored 109 goals in 149 matches between 1993 and 2006. Ronaldo was confident: “All records must be broken, and I will break that record”.

Would it be easier for him if he was physically fit again? “I’m not at 100 per cent. But it is a question of pride to be able to sacrifice oneself,” explained the exceptional striker. He did the same last time for his employer Juventus Turin – and was even replaced: “Of course I didn’t like that, nobody likes it”.

Ronaldo: “They’re a team that’s hard to win against”.

According to Juve coach Maurizio Sarri, the quicker Ronaldo can overcome his “little knee problem”, the more the Iberians’ chances of successfully defending their title increase. Portugal has qualified for a major international tournament for the eleventh time in a row. “I’m pleased because this qualification was more difficult than we expected,” said national coach Fernando Santos, “Now we have our ticket. We have to believe in our players and their strengths,” he said.

Ronaldo doesn’t see the Selecao as the first candidate for a repeat of the 2016 Paris triumph, “That doesn’t make us a top candidate for the title now. There are other favourites, but we are a team that is hard to win against,” said the team captain, who needed 164 entries for his 99 goals in the Portugal jersey.

Another personal record is within reach for the superstar after his successful qualification for the European Championship. A single goal in the finals next summer will be enough for Ronaldo to pass Frenchman Michel Platini. So far, both football heroes have scored nine final goals each.