Criano Ronaldo takes a jibe at Pele’s goal-scoring record: ‘All the goals that I scored, they have video’ | Football News
Five-time Ballon D’or winner Criano Ronaldo has admitted he wants to score 1000 career goals before he retires. Speaking to Rio Ferdinand in a recent video on his YouTube channel, the 39-year-old expressed desire at continuing to play in his 40s.
“I know I’m still looking good, I feel that I can still dribble, score goals, shoot, jump. The day that I start to feel that I can’t produce anything I will pack bags and go away,” Ronaldo said.
“Soon I will [score] 900 [career goals], and after that I will beat 1,000. I want to reach it. 41 (retiring age)? I don’t know. This is why I told you I want to leave the present. But if I don’t have injuries, this is the most important thing. I want [to reach 1,000 goals]. For me it’s the best mark that I can have in football,” he added.
The Portuguese also took a subtle dig at Brazil legend Pele, who is credited to have scored 762 goals, goalscoring record. “There is one difference [with my goals record]. All the goals that I scored, they have video. So I can prove that [they happened].”
Ronaldo currently has 868 goals from 1200 appearances. His longtime rival, Lionel Messi trails him on 838 goals.
The 39-year-old, who will be honored UEFA during the Champions League draw on Thursday for being the all-time goalscoring award, also opened up on his retirement plans.
“I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three years, but probably I will retire here at Al-Nassr,” he said. “I’m happy at this club. I feel good in this country too. I’m happy to play in Saudi Arabia and I want to continue.”
