Roberto Martínez once again praised Cristiano Ronaldo after his impressive milestone. The Spanish coach of Portugal emphasized once again, following the 39-year-old star's 900th goal, the exemplary role he plays in the locker room.
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On Thursday evening, Cristiano Ronaldo further cemented his legacy by scoring the decisive goal in Portugal's Nations League match against Croatia, securing yet another victory for his nation.
The goal marked a historic moment as it was Ronaldo's 900th career goal, combining his accomplishments for both club and country. This achievement holds significant weight for Portugal’s all-time top scorer, as it underscores his incredible longevity and continued relevance at the highest levels of football.
After the match, Ronaldo, now playing for Saudi club Al-Nassr, shared that these kinds of records continue to fuel his passion for the game. His ability to push boundaries at an age when most players have already retired has set him apart as a symbol of dedication and resilience. "It’s the records that keep me motivated," Ronaldo explained, reflecting on how his hunger for success hasn't diminished despite reaching milestone after milestone. His persistence and unwavering focus are what have kept him at the pinnacle of world football for two decades.
Head coach Roberto Martínez, who took over the reins of the Portuguese national team, highlighted Ronaldo’s influence both on and off the pitch. According to Martínez, Ronaldo’s impact transcends his goalscoring feats. “Cristiano is an example for everyone in the team, especially the younger players. His discipline and dedication are unparalleled,” Martínez said. He further pointed out that Ronaldo’s leadership in the dressing room is just as important as his contributions on the field. When Ronaldo scored his first international goal in 2003, many of his current teammates, such as João Neves, hadn’t even been born yet, illustrating the extraordinary length of Ronaldo's career.
Martínez has consistently placed his trust in Ronaldo since becoming the coach, even during periods of criticism, especially at the European Championship, where Ronaldo’s performance was questioned due to his advancing age. Yet, Ronaldo has never failed to repay that faith. His winner against Croatia is a testament to his enduring quality and instinct for decisive moments. "This 900-goal milestone is incredible for Portugal, for Cristiano, and for world football as a whole," Martínez added. "It’s also a powerful message to the rest of the squad Cristiano's work ethic is something everyone should aspire to."
Teammates are equally in awe of Ronaldo's achievements. Rubén Dias, a key figure in Portugal’s defense, was left almost speechless when asked about Ronaldo's latest record. "It’s difficult to put into words," the Manchester City star admitted. "We’ve talked so much about what Cristiano stands for and what he has accomplished, but he continues to surprise us. Even at this stage of his career, he’s still breaking records. That alone speaks volumes about his importance to us all."
Looking ahead, many in Portugal believe Ronaldo has his sights set on another historic milestone 1,000 career goals. Reaching that figure would require the legendary forward, who turns 40 in February, to keep playing for a while longer. Despite his age, Ronaldo has made it clear that he has no intention of slowing down. He remains laser-focused on continuing his career and adding to his tally, whether at the club level with Al-Nassr or in the international arena with Portugal.
While in Brazil they might argue that Ronaldo would be the third player to score 1,000 goals, following Pelé and Romário, official records position Ronaldo as the top scorer in football history. This fact underscores just how extraordinary Ronaldo's career has been, as he continues to push the limits of what is possible, etching his name even deeper into the annals of the sport.
