Cristiano Ronaldo: "If the 1000th goal doesn't come, I'm still the top scorer in history"

Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Quinas de Platina at the Quinas de Ouro gala on Monday. The prize, which is annually presented by the Portuguese Football Association (FPF), celebrates the contribution of a Portuguese athlete as an ambassador of the country.

"The most important prize in Portugal is the Quinas de Platina and if there is one person that deserves it, it's Cristiano Ronaldo. He has spent over 20 years in the national team. If there is one person that has shown pride in representing his country, it's him. He is an excellent ambassador who lives for the Portuguese shirt and lives for Portugal," explained president Fernando Gomes, who was present in the auditorium of the Belem Cultural Centre in Lisbon.

On receiving the presigious award, the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner said: "Winning this trophy is an honour for me. I don't see it as an ending, but rather a beginning. Thank you to the Portuguese Football Association for this prize, for the hard work and pride I have put into the national team and for the long road I have travelled. After winning so many trophies in my career, there's nothing better than representing the national team, the country, the culture, the homeland, the fathers, the kids..."

Ronaldo also spoke on his in infamous target to reach 1000 career goals. The Al Nassr forward had previously said that he would not retire until he would reach his goal, however, recognising that he is approaching the end of the road, he understands that he could hang up his boots without hitting the historic mark. "I'll be honest, I was at fault, because we can't think long term, I want to enjoy the moment. I'm going to do what I'm capable of doing," he began. "I said I wanted to reach 1,000. I've just reached 900 and they're already asking me for more. If I get there it's fine, but if I don't, I'm still the player with the most goals in history, so it's all good."

 

November 12, 2024