On Tuesday evening, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the “Quinas de Platino” at home, one of the highest sporting honors in Portugal. The 39-year-old was cautious about his “most important” goal.
In Portuguese football, Cristiano Ronaldo is now considered one of the greatest legends. Consequently, he was awarded the “Quinas de Platino” on Tuesday evening, one of the highest sporting honors in Portugal.
“If there is an ambassador who deserves the Quinas de Platino, it is Cristiano Ronaldo,” the jury said in its statement. CR7 has been playing for the Portuguese national team for over 20 years, making his debut at just 18 years and six months old. He is now 39.
In his speech on Tuesday, Cristiano Ronaldo was humble. “I thank the association for this award. I’ve come a long way,” said the Portugal captain. “When I joined the national team at 18, I dreamed of making my first international appearance. Then there were 25, then 50, then 100.”
He has now played an incredible 216 internationals and scored 133 goals. No other professional has scored more goals for a national team in history. But Cristiano Ronaldo, known for his almost overwhelming ambition, is suddenly putting the brakes on his “most important” goal.
“We can’t always think long term”
In an interview with Rio Ferdinand last August, he openly stated: “I want to reach 1000 goals. If I don’t get injured, that’s the most important thing for me.”
But when asked about it on Tuesday evening, he sounded quite different. “Now I’ve just scored my 900th goal, I’m already being asked about my 1000th,” said Cristiano Ronaldo. He currently has 908 goals to his name.
In the autumn of his career, Portugal’s high-flyer would rather keep a low profile. “We can’t always think long term. I want to enjoy the moment – and do what I can do.”
